Xabi Alonso could field an unchanged Chelsea XI for the first time this season for the Premier League away trip to Everton.

Both Chelsea and Everton have a week to prepare for the encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium and will have another week to prepare for the next fixtures, so both are expected to field their best available XIs.

However, Everton clearly have a much better-looking injury list than Chelsea.

Chelsea will be without Jamie Gittens, Reece James, who recently underwent minor knee surgery after sustaining an injury in training, and Emmanuel Emegha, who suffered a minor setback in training. 

Meanwhile, Everton may be at full strength, depending on Vitalii Mykolenko’s recovery after missing their 2-2 draw with Hull City last week.

Emiliano Martinez is expected to keep his spot in goal. The Argentina international has yet to keep a clean sheet for the Blues, but the record does not fully reflect his performance. He is leading the league in saves (4) per game this season.

For the back three, Alonso will likely stick with Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, and Josh Acheampong. Colwill is expected to continue to wear the captain’s armband for the next few months amid James’ absence.

Alonso may replace Acheampong with Wesley Fofana to spread the minutes. However, the former is more comfortable slotting in as a right-back if Chelsea decide to switch to a back four off the ball during a match, making him a more versatile option.

Pedro Neto and Pep Chavarria deserve to stay in the starting XIs after their strong displays at right and left wing-back last week. Jorrel Hato and Marco Palestra may also get some minutes as substitutes later in the game.

Moises Caicedo is obviously one of the first names on the teamsheet, but Jordan Henderson, who bagged two goals and an assist against Bournemouth, proved that he can be a reliable starter at 36.

However, while Bournemouth were without their star midfielder, Alex Scott, due to injury last Saturday, Chelsea will have to contend with Everton’s in-form number 10 and former Blue, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The attacking midfielder was involved in both of Everton's goals against Hull City.

Alonso could therefore opt for Romeo Lavia, who arguably could help shield the defence better than Henderson.

Chelsea’s front three should be obvious. Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Joao Pedro have dragged Chelsea to a win multiple times this season amid the team’s poor defensive performance. 

Joao Pedro, in particular, is leading the Premier League in direct goal contributions (8), with five goals and three assists.

Martinez, Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Chavarria, Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro