In the Premier League match on Saturday night at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea welcomes Everton to maintain their recent success.
Team Form
Chelsea
Graham Potter, the manager of Chelsea, has been able to silence his critics with his newly implemented three-at-the-back system.
Despite facing pressure from supporters, he has led the West London giants out of their rough patch and guided them to an impressive victory against struggling Leicester in their recent outing.
Despite their recent success, Chelsea remains in the middle of the standings, currently occupying the 10th spot, with a significant gap of 11 points from a Champions League qualification spot.
However, the team’s chances of securing a place in Europe’s elite competition by winning the 2022-23 edition remain promising following their recent triumph over Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16.
Chelsea PL Form: D L L W W
Everton
Everton’s match against Brentford started with a bang, as Dwight McNeil scored just 35 seconds into the game, leaving the Brentford team with no time to settle in. Despite Brentford’s efforts for the remaining 89 minutes, they could not score and lost the game.
Although Everton is currently sitting in the 15th position, they are just one point ahead of Leicester, West Ham United, and Bournemouth, who all have a game in hand. This means the pressure remains on Dyche to secure more points to ensure Everton’s safety in the league.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that all three of Everton’s wins under the ex-Burnley boss have come at Goodison Park. The team has struggled away from home, having gone 11 away games without a win in all tournaments, losing six and drawing three of their last nine on the road in the top flight. As a result, their upcoming away games will be an actual test of their capabilities.
Everton PL Form: W L L D W
Squad Report
Chelsea
Wesley Fofana was thought to have sustained an injury in a game against his former club, Leicester. However, Fofana was seen enjoying the celebrations, suggesting he had managed to avoid severe damage.
Unfortunately, Armando Broja and Thiago Silva are currently undergoing treatment for their injuries.
However, there is optimism regarding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Cesar Azpilicueta, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Edouard Mendy, Reece James, and N’Golo Kante. Kante may finally be included in the team’s matchday squad for the first time since August.
Everton
Everton’s manager, Dyche, has no new injury concerns to report after the team’s recent victory against Brentford.
There is hope that striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin may return to the squad after suffering from a thigh problem.
Additionally, if Nathan Patterson can recover from a knee injury, only Andros Townsend may be unable to participate in the upcoming game for Everton.
Chelsea’s predicted starting lineup:
Kepa; Fofana, Koulibaly, Cucurella; James, Kovacic, Fernandez, Chilwell; Mudryk, Havertz, Felix
Everton’s predicted starting lineup:
Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Keane, Godfrey; Iwobi, Onana, Gueye, Doucoure, McNeil; Gray
Head to Head
When Chelsea and Everton face each other in their upcoming match, it will mark the 190th meeting between the two teams. Chelsea holds a 75-59 record in their head-to-head encounters with Everton.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Saturday, March 18
Time: 05:30 pm, UK Time
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Prediction
Graham Potter’s team has been performing well domestically and in continental competitions, with their talented players showcasing their abilities on the field.