Chelsea come back to Stamford Bridge this Sunday yet again as they host a heavily armed Everton side. The last time the Toffees had come here, they were handed a 5-0 humiliation by the then high-flying Blue brigade. Things aren’t so smooth for Antonio Conte now following the opening day shock loss to Burnley.
Although they did make a comeback against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, their patchy form is visible, and Ronald Koeman’s Everton side could easily exploit it. Everton were quite a difficult side for Pep Guardiola’s star-studded Manchester City last week as they salvaged a draw from a late equalizer. With Europa League qualification secured, the Merseyside club will be without any inhibitions.
Team News
Chelsea- The biggest misses for Conte going into the game would be centre half Gary Cahill and playmaker Eden Hazard. The skipper still continues to serve his three-game suspension that he got after receiving a red card against Burnley on the opening day. Apart from that, the Italian boss is expected to have a fully fit and available squad at his disposal. Tiemoue Bakayoko had a nervy start to the league last game but should be more comfortable now and Conte welcomes Fabregas from his suspension.
Everton- Everton, on the other hand, will be without a host of players. Ronald Koeman will hope Sandro Ramirez and Idrissa Gueye become available for the game as they are both scheduled for a late fitness test before the manager decides on them. While the availability of Sigurdsson could compensate the position of Ramirez, Gueye has been Everton’s most important piece of the puzzle. Morgan Schneiderlin remains out with a red card that he received last game against Manchester City.
Among the long-term absentees remain defenders Ramiro Funes Mori, Seamus Coleman and attacking midfielders Ross Barkley and Yannick Bolasie. A huge blow for the Toffees would be the unavailability of midfielder James McCarthy and new arrival Davy Klaassen, who are returning after the international break.
Predicted Lineup
Chelsea- Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger; Moses, Bakayoko, Kante, Alonso; Fabregas, Willian; Morata
Everton- Pickford; Keane, Williams, Jagielka; Holgate, Gueye, Davies, Baines; Calvert-Lewin, Sigurdsson, Rooney
Key Players
Chelsea- Although Conte wouldn’t want his side to solely rely on left back Marcos Alonso to score goals next game, the Spaniard remains one of the biggest weapons for Chelsea. Willian would expect to get on the score sheet this time after missing some chances last game.
Everton- New signing Sigurdsson produced a peach of a goal in Croatia last game and Koeman would hope he continues his form this game too. Wayne Rooney will hope to continue his fantastic run in Everton colours.
Odds
Chelsea @ 9/20
Draw @ 7/2
Everton @ 15/2
