Everton vs Chelsea Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Liam Rosenior is now already under pressure at Chelsea as the Blues travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face European chasing Everton this weekend.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Universo
Everton preview: European push
Everton haven't found adapting to their new stadium this season too easy, with much better performances and results coming on the road - but the Toffees can still bring European football to their new home.
After a harsh 2-0 loss to champions-elect Arsenal last weekend, Everton were pegged back in their pursuit but they remain just six points off fifth and the likely UEFA Champions League spots this season.
Chelsea preview: Under pressure
Chelsea succumbed to a very poor 3-0 loss at home to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, completing an embarrassing 8-2 aggregate defeat to the Parisians, making it just one victory inside 90 minutes in their last seven matches across all competitions.
The Blues have enjoyed a fortunate FA Cup run, been knocked out of both the EFL Cup and the UEFA Champions League and sit outside of the top five in the Premier League. Consistency is required - and fast.
Everton team news: Hopeful on key defenders
David Moyes has said that he is hopeful key defensive duo James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite will both be available, or at least 'in and around the squad', for this weekend after recent knocks that have been sustained.
Attacking midfielders Jack Grealish and Carlos Alcaraz remain sidelined, while loanee Tyrique George will be unavailable to face his parent club.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Branthwaite; Garner, Gueye; Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto
Unavailable: Grealish (Injured), Alcaraz (Injured), George (Ineligible)
Questionable: Tarkowski (Injured), Branthwaite (Injured)
Chelsea team news: Chalobah out
England international defender Trevoh Chalobah was forced off against PSG and is sidelined for this one but his injury isn't as bad as was initially feared.
His international teammate Reece James is now sidelined due to a hamstring injury that also isn't quite as bad as they think, while Levi Colwill is training but nowhere near fit.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
Unavailable: Jorgensen (Injured), Chalobah (Injured), Colwill (Fitness), James (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary)
Questionable: Badiashile (Illness), Gusto (Illness), Gittens (Injured)
Everton vs Chelsea prediction
In 18 matches since his appointment; Championship sides Charlton Athletic and Hull City, as well as Wrexham after extra-time, relegation-bound Wolverhampton Wanderers and relegation, battling West Ham United, Pafos and Napoli, who both finished outside of the top 24 in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have been beaten by Chelsea. That is ten wins in 18 - and that middling early honeymoon period flatters Rosenior and Chelsea. Everton are a tough team to trust at home but backing against the visitors is the way to go right now.
Everton vs Chelsea tip: Double chance - Everton to win or draw
