Everton vs Chelsea Preview: Team News and Predicted XI

Everton's record against Chelsea at home in recent years has been impressive, securing a 3-0 victory over them last season. 

Chelsea's last win at Everton came back in 2022, and that was their first victory since 2017. 

As we head into this game, it's only goal difference that seperates the two sides in the Premier League. Everton are sitting just above Chelsea in fifth, despite Xabi Alonso's side scoring seven more goals so far this season. 

Chelsea have, however, conceded eight more goals than Everton so far this season. Alonso's men have been one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the Premier League this campaign, and there should be plenty of goals as they travel up to Merseyside on Saturday.

It's early days in the campaign, but Chelsea are looking like a real force in the final third. Perhaps one of the best in Europe, but it's their defence that has let them down so far this season.

Everton have undoubtedly had a favourable start to the campaign, but a win over Chelsea would be a huge statement from the club. 

David Moyes confirmed that Vitalii Mykolenko has got a chance of making the game against Chelsea following his injury during the international break. 

Christian Norgaard is improving and could be utilised, but Moyes doesn't believe he's ready to start just yet.

Jarrad Branthwaite picked up a problem against Hull last time out, so Everton have been managing him over the last few days. 

Moyes didn't confirm if Branthwaite would be available or not, but he certainly wasn't convincing with his assessment of the defender.

Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Garner, Armstrong; Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.

It's hard to imagine there being many changes within the front six, given Moyes' reluctance to change without there being an injuries. 

Everton will likely continue managing Branthwaite, but if there's a chance he's carrying some sort of injury, it will be a surprise to see him in the starting XI, especially when there are options at centre-back.

Mykolenko's fitness could change things, as there's a chance Branthwaite might be needed at left-back again. 

Chelsea confirmed earlier on Friday that Reece James has undergone surgery on a knee injury, which is going to keep him out until 2027.

Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha are the other absentees for Chelsea, with Alonso confirming there are no fresh injury concerns.