Chelsea welcome Everton at Stamford Bridge hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday. The Blues dropped points to Bournemouth in the 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium last weekend. They did well to bounce back by dumping Liverpool out of the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday, with Willian and Ross Barkley scoring in the 2-0 victory.
Frank Lampard will now want his team to strengthen their hold on the fourth spot by winning against Everton, who come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the league.
Mateo Kovacic was forced off in the first-half against Liverpool in the FA Cup after a tackle from Sadio Mane. He remains doubtful for Sunday’s game, so does Willian, who pulled up with a suspected Achilles problem while tracking back early in the second half.
Andreas Christensen missed the Liverpool game despite playing the full 90 minutes of the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth but could be back for the Everton clash. Meanwhile, N’Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham remain out injured. Jorginho will miss two games after picking up two yellow cards starting from the game against Everton.
Kepa was recalled into Chelsea’s starting XI on Tuesday and he produced a stunning triple save to deny Liverpool from scoring. The Spaniard looked confident between the sticks and should get the nod ahead of Caballero on Sunday.
James has enjoyed a solid breakthrough campaign with Chelsea. The youngster will start at right wing-back against Everton.
Azpilicueta should lead the team from the back. He will have to be at the top of his game to keep the Toffees at bay.
Zouma put in a solid performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup, which will give him some much-needed confidence heading into the Everton game.
Rudiger hasn’t been consistent this season, majorly due to injury problems. Yet, he remains Chelsea’s best defender and should start on Sunday.
Alonso has shown signs of regaining his old form, with the Spaniard excelling at wing-back role.
With Kante injured, Jorginho suspended and Kovacic a big doubt, it won’t be a surprise to see Lampard start Gilmour. The Scottish teenager bossed the midfield against Liverpool in the FA Cup and deserves to retain his place in the Chelsea side.
Partnering Gilmour should be Barkley, who scored a fantastic goal to dump Liverpool out of the FA Cup.
Mount is an exciting young player who’ll be a key figure in opening up Everton’s defence at Stamford Bridge.
A tireless worker off the ball, Pedro adds pace and energy to Chelsea’s attack. He’ll retain his place in the team.
Giroud offers a different dimension to the Chelsea attack than Tammy Abraham. The Frenchman has done well since being recalled into the starting XI and should start against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
