EPL: Chelsea versus Everton match preview
The midweek EPL fixtures are is getting tensed as the race for the top four is getting heated.
Whereas Manchester United had their Tuesday match against Brentford postponed as a result of about 19 senior team players and staff contracting Coronavirus, Manchester City thrashed Leads United by seven goals to lead to the table.
Arsenal, on the other hand, paddled through the fortunes of West Ham to secure top 4 positions and Chelsea’s fate depends on the outcome with Everton today, though there is a significant gap between the third-placed team (Chelsea) and the fourth-placed team(Arsenal), a slip at the Bridge would deal Thomas Tuchel’s men a heavy blow in chasing Liverpool (second) and Manchester City for the top spot.
Concerning the Blues news and injuries lists, Chelsea remains without long-term injury victim Ben Chilwell and the Covid-positive Mateo Kovacic, while it remains to be seen if Trevoh Chalobah and N’Golo Kante will be fit enough to play a part.
Kante is due to rejoin team training before the game but will likely only be considered for a place on the bench, with Tuchel potentially saving the bulk of his changes for the EFL Cup clash with Brentford on December 22.
Romelu Lukaku – facing his former club – and Andreas Christensen will be eyeing first-team returns here regardless, with Thiago Silva potentially making way as Tuchel aims to avoid overloading the 37-year-old.
As for Everton, Richarlison had to be taken off in the defeat to Palace after tweaking his calf, while Allan did not take part after sustaining a minor adductor problem.
The Toffees also remain without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Tom Davies and Yerry Mina, while Lucas Digne is also a doubt amid reports of an internal rift with Benitez.
Rondon will likely lead the line at Stamford Bridge if Richarlison is not given the green light to feature, while Anthony Gordon will hope to force his way back into the team.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Mendy, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen; James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Lukaku
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford, Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey; Townsend, Doucoure, Allan, Gordon, Gray, Rondon
By: Elisha Aberiganya | Follow us on Twitter @activtvgh
