Antonio Conte will be looking for a fifth win in a row when Chelsea take on Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Blues have been in a sublime form of late and find themselves fourth in the table, just one point behind the current top three Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. The West London club have not conceded a single goal in their last four Premier League games since they switched to three at the back after their 3-0 humiliation at the hands of rivals Arsenal.
Everton are on the back of a 2-0 win against West Ham last weekend but their recent run of form has been far from desired. Ronald Koeman started his reign at Goodison Park in a really strong manner but the Toffees’ form has dried up of late. Everton were winless in five games in all competitions before their win against West Ham last week and another loss at Stamford Bridge could hurt their morale.
The last ten encounters between Chelsea and Everton have been close. Everton have won four times while Chelsea have won five but the Londoners have not won either of their last three games against the Toffees. With the international break coming up next week, both sides will be looking be looking to finish off with a morale-boosting win.
Team news
Chelsea
Conte will have a fully fit squad available apart from Cesc Fabregas, who remains out with a thigh injury, and Kurt Zouma who has returned to first-team training is not yet fully fit to feature against Everton.
Everton
The Toffees have a long list of players absent for the clash. Matthew Pennington (hamstring), Leighton Baines (hamstring), Tyias Browning (knee), Darren Gibson (unknown injury) and Muhamed Besic (knee) are all injured while keeper Maarten Stekelenburg is expected to return to full fitness to start under the bar. Idrissa Gueye will miss the game due to suspension after picking up five yellow cards.
Predicted lineups
Chelsea (3-4-3): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kanté, Matic, Alonso; Pedro, Costa, Hazard.
Everton (4-2-3-1): Joel; Coleman, Williams, Funes Mori, Oviedo; Cleverley, Barry; Bolasie, Barkley, Mirallas; Lukaku.
Key Players
Chelsea- Eden Hazard
The Belgian star is in a mesmerising form of late. He is pulling the strings for the Blues this season with his exceptional creativity and flair. With five goals to his name already to his name this season, Hazard will be the biggest threat to Everton.
Everton- Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku will be back at his former club and will be looking to haunt his former employers. With seven goals already this season, Lukaku is just one behind Diego Costa in the race for Premier League Golden Boot and will be keen to add to his tally.
Odds
Chelsea to win: 8/15
Draw: 17/5
Everton to win: 11/2
