Chelsea face Ronald Koeman’s Everton team, in this Saturday’s tea-time kick-off, as they look to continue their recent run of form. Having convincingly beaten Southampton 2-0 last Sunday, Chelsea will be looking to make it five wins from five under Antonio Conte’s revolutionary 3-4-3 formation. Whilst the added bonus of a fifth consecutive clean sheet will only encourage them further.
Everton, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to life under Ronald Koeman. Six games unbeaten seemed to herald a new beginning under the Dutchman, but since losing to Norwich in the EFL Cup in September, Everton have only managed one win.
Chelsea’s only injury problem is Cesc Fabregas, who is still troubled by a thigh problem he picked up over the international break. This means that long-term absentees Kurt Zouma and Marco Van Ginkel, who both played for the U-23s this week, could return to the squad. Although they are unlikely to play any part in the game.
The Toffees are currently ravaged by injuries, and will, therefore, be without goalkeeper Marten Stekelenburg, midfield anchors James McCarthy and Muhammed Besic. Leighton Baines is also a slight doubt for the game, whilst Arouna Kone and youngsters Tyias Browning and Matthew Pennington are all long-term injury concerns for Everton.
Last season a late, late John Terry goal prevented Everton from coming away with all three points, as the two sides played out an enthralling 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge. Most recently, though, it was Everton who took home the spoils, with a Romelu Lukaku masterclass securing a 2-0 FA Cup win for The Toffees.
