It is blues against blues, But do you know that Chelsea lost to Everton while playing home only once, and that is dated back in 1994? Is Everton having any injuries at the moment? Marco Silva does not have any major long-term injuries hampering his preparations for the trip to Stamford Bridge. But, the Everton boss does have a couple of concerns to deal with, in addition to a few minor issues.
The big cause for concern is Richarlison, who played the second half against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend with pain in his foot due to the minor ankle injury he had sustained earlier in the match. With the Brazilian finally starting to take to his new role of a striker, Silva will be sweating over his fitness in the hours leading to the Chelsea game.
Another slight issue is the absence of Kurt Zouma, who is ineligible to face Chelsea, although that could mean Yerry Mina finally makes his debut for Everton. Meanwhile, the likes of Leighton Baines (illness), and Jonjoe Kenny (knock) are slight doubts, while James McCarthy continues building his fitness after recovering from his horrific leg injury.
Baines’ absence is not worrisome as Lucas Digne has adapted well to life at Everton, which is exactly what Silva will hope from Yerry Mina when he links up alongside Michael Keane at the heart of the defence. On the right flank, the marauding Seamus Coleman will look to put Marcos Alonso under pressure.
Idrissa Gueye and Andre Gomes have stitched up an able midfield partnership, and will provide a tenacious presence in the middle of the park. Upfront, Theo Walcott and Bernard will be the wide men, while Gylfi Sigurdsson should be the creator-in-chief for Everton. But, the main concern will be whether Richarlison is fit enough to start, or if Cenk Tosun fills in for him.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Gueye, Gomes; Walcott, Sigurdsson, Bernard; Richarlison.
Chelsea are unbeaten in 23 Premier League games at home against Everton (W13 D10) dating back to a 1-0 loss in November 1994. If it means betting, are now not aware of how to place your safe odds?