Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 30/04/2017
Kick-off: 14:05 (BST)
Everton welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park on Sunday and the Toffees will surely look to dent the Blues’ hopes of winning the Premier League title by claiming a victory on the day.
Everton’s form following the turn of the year has been nothing short of sensational but despite their efforts, Ronald Koeman’s men look likely to miss out on a top four finish during the current campaign following a slow start to the season.
Nonetheless, Koeman will want his team to end the campaign on a strong note heading into next season and the Dutchman will perhaps demand the Everton stars to claim a victory over a visiting Chelsea side this weekend, especially as revenge for the 5-0 loss at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture.
Everton Team News
Everton remain without long term absentees Muhamed Besic, Yannick Bolasie, Seamus Coleman, Ramiro Funes Mori, Aaron Lennon and James McCarthy once again.
It remains to be seen if Koeman will go with a four man backline or switch to a three man defence to match Chelsea but if the Everton boss sticks to his preferred formation, the defence should consist of Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka, Mason Holgate and Leighton Baines, with Maarten Stekelenburg starting in goal.
Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin look the most likely combination at the middle of the park while the attacking midfield trio should consist of Ross Barkley, Tom Davies and Kevin Mirallas.
Romelu Lukaku will be leading the line for Everton and he will surely be looking to make an impression against his former employers once again.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Stekelenburg; Baines, Jagielka, Williams, Holgate; Gueye, Schneiderlin, Mirallas, Davies, Barkley; Lukaku
Chelsea (Probable XI): Courtois; Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Moses, Fabregas, Kante, Moses; Hazard, Costa, Pedro
Last Meeting
05/11/2016 Chelsea 5 – 0 Everton
12/03/2016 Everton 2 – 0 Chelsea
Prediction
Everton were handed a 5-0 battering by Chelsea in the corresponding fixture but a repeat result looks very unlikely due to the fact that the Toffees have improved exponentially since.
It even looks like Everton stand a chance of claiming a victory from the encounter but Chelsea perhaps are in better shape and given their necessity to claim the three points to aid their title challenge, an away win looks set to be on the cards.
Everton 1-2 Chelsea
