Chelsea progressed to the last 8 of the UEFA Europa League with an emphatic 5-0 victory (8-0 aggregate) over Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday night, thanks to a hat-trick from Olivier Giroud.
The Blues were only able to manage a 1-1 draw at home against Wolves in their last outing in the Premier League and Maurizio Sarri’s men will be up against it once again when they make the trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Sunday.
Everton looked all set for three points against Newcastle last week but the Magpies sparked a remarkable comeback to win 3-2 in what turned out to be an enthralling contest.
Marco Silva’s side drew 0-0 with Chelsea away from home in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and the fans have every reason to anticipate a high-voltage encounter on Sunday.
Sarri will be expected to make quite a few changes to the line-up that faced Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League. Hat-trick hero Olivier Giroud might have to settle for a place on the bench as Gonzalo Higuain is expected to return from his minor illness.
Eden Hazard didn’t play a part on Thursday night but the Belgian is likely to start against Everton.
The Spaniard has always been a reliable presence at the back and should start between the sticks on Sunday.
Chelsea’s designated club-captain came off the bench to replace Zappacosta on Thursday but he has been a regular name on Sarri’s teamsheet and should start in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Brazilian was rested for the Europa League fixture but he will be expected to return to the heart of the defence on Sunday.
He has been one of the standout performers for Chelsea at the back this season in the Premier League.
The Spaniard showed strong signs of returning to form in the Europa League and chipped in with a goal and an assist.
Kovacic played in his role in the Europa League but Sarri is likely to field his reliable Italian maestro as the pivot in the midfield against Everton.
The Frenchman has really done well in an advanced role, carrying the ball forward with pace and picking out the right pass.
He played at the heart of the midfield in the Europa League but Jorginho’s return should see him move back to his usual position on the left.
The Belgian maestro saved Chelsea the blushes with a late equaliser against Wolves and he should be fit and running after being rested for the Europa League tie.
The Spaniard has been in good form this season and his pace, trickery and creativity are invaluable assets to Chelsea’s forward line.
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The Argentine talisman will be expected to return to the starting eleven to spearhead the attack on Sunday.