Chelsea is going from bad to worse. Eliminated by a rout in the Champions League with an 8-2 aggregate score against Paris Saint-Germain, who got revenge for the Club World Cup, and with a Premier League that offers no respite, they now sit sixth and outside the European places. The recent loss to Newcastle confirmed a weak present, with a team that needs to win to avoid getting lost in its own darkness.

Opposite them will be Everton, eighth and just a few points back, with an inconsistent performance that ranges from serious stumbles to luxury results like the win against “giant-killer” Newcastle weeks ago.

They are coming off a loss to Arsenal, but the Gunners are the league leaders, no less, so it is a loss they can afford. The Toffees compete and become rock-solid at home. This will not be an easy duel, nor a comfortable one to watch.

GK: Robert Sanchez — Nerves of steel. The Spaniard remains the starter because he provides the security the Blues need. Everton is a team that can test him with crosses and second balls, so his presence and full attention will be crucial.

RB: Malo Gusto — Everywhere. He is extremely quick getting forward. The Frenchman moves seamlessly from defending to contributing in the attack, so his offensive input will be important to stretch an Everton side that tends to stay compact centrally.

CB: Wesley Fofana — Open-field correction. His main virtue is his speed to cover long distances when the team pushes up. If he maintains his concentration, he can be decisive against the Toffees’ direct attacks.

CB: Jorrel Hato — Excessive personality. The Dutchman appears as a reliable option in defense. He has good ball control and does not hesitate to move forward when needed. He is the balance in the back four that Rosenior seeks.

LB: Marc Cucurella — Tireless. Cucu does everything, and he is everywhere. He presses, recovers, and teleports from one place to another. And most importantly, he has the energy to do it.

CM: Andrey Santos — Necessary calm. The Brazilian organizes the midfield from the base and has a great virtue: his judgment in distribution. He also ventures into the box when he finds space.

CM: Moises Caicedo — Export-grade engine. He maintains balance in midfield and, alongside Santos, has proven to be a reliable guarantee. The Ecuadorian’s ability to break up Everton’s plays will be crucial for the Blues to impose their conditions from the first minute.

AM: Cole Palmer — Talent to unlock. He remains the team’s most creative player, although his recent performances have not been his best. He needs to find spaces and improve his precision to regain confidence and make a difference again.

AM: Enzo Fernandez — Game connector. The Argentine manages the tempo and constantly looks to slip passes between the lines. He is a natural strategist and reads plays better than anyone. When he plays further forward, he has the ability to awaken and activate the wingers and the No. 9.

AM: Pedro Neto — Drives everyone crazy. His speed in one-on-ones makes him a constant threat. He will be an important player for breaking down a defense that will likely sit back. As if that were not enough, the Portuguese already has five goals this season, accompanied by four assists.

ST: Joao Pedro — Unfailing firepower. The Brazilian remains the team’s main attacking reference. He has 14 goals and five assists in the Premier League — no further explanation is needed because the numbers speak for themselves. His recent dry spell without scoring should not fool anyone because he has plenty of fuel to get back on track at any moment.

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