Chelsea return to Premier League action today when they face Everton at Stamford Bridge. The Blues registered a very good win during the week in the FA Cup against Liverpool and will look to do the same against another Merseyside team in Everton.
Frank Lampard’s men need the win to extend their gap over fifth-placed Manchester United, who are just three points behind them in the league and play later in the day against Manchester City.
Everton come into this game in a decent run of form, having lost just one of their last six league games. The last time Chelsea and Everton faced each other, the Toffees won the game 3-1 at Goodison Park.
Let’s take a look at the possible Chelsea lineup for this game against Everton.
Team News
That win against Liverpool in the FA Cup came with a price as two of Lampard’s key players suffered injuries.
Willian and Mateo Kovacic both suffered Achilles injuries, with the latter definitely ruled out of the match.
The likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham, and N’Golo Kante are also going to miss the match. Christian Pulisic is closing in on a return and could possibly make the bench for the Blues this weekend.
Andreas Christensen should return following a knock that he got recently but is still a minor doubt.
Jorginho is suspended for this game after accumulating 10 yellow cards.
PREDICTED CHELSEA LINEUP TO FACE EVERTON (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Kepa put in a good performance against Liverpool and could be brought back from his short league exile in the Chelsea lineup.
Defence
Lampard could switch back to the five-man defence against Everton, with Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger retaining their places at the back, and Cesar Azpilicueta playing as the third centre-back. Christensen is another option if fully fit.
Reece James should get back into the Chelsea lineup, playing at right wing-back, while the in-form Marcos Alonso should start on the left.
Midfield
Lampard has a problem in midfield as Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic are unavailable for this match. This means that Ross Barkley could well play with Billy Gilmour in the middle, with the latter impressing in the win against Liverpool.
Attack
Olivier Giroud should once again lead the Chelsea lineup, with Mason Mount starting as the left-sided attacker. If Willian misses out, Pedro will surely start as the right-sided attacker.
