Everton travel to Stamford Bridge on Thursday hoping for three points to edge away from the Premier League relegation zone. Chelsea will be looking for a win to keep pace with the leaders!

Everton manager, Rafael Benitez, returns to Stamford Bridge on Thursday for the Toffees‘ English Premier League (EPL) Clash with Chelsea.

Thomas Tuchel’s outfit defeated Leeds United 3-2 at the weekend, while the Merseyside men went down to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Heading into this encounter, Chelsea sit 3rd in the EPL table, with 36 points. Their opponents are down in 14th, with just 18 points from 16 games played.

Chelsea must manage without long-term injury victim, Ben Chilwell, and the COVID-positive, Mateo Kovačić. Meanwhile, it is unclear if Trevoh Chalobah and N’Golo Kanté will be fit enough to play a part.

Kanté is poised to go back into team training ahead of the game, but will probably only be considered for a place on the bench, with Tuchel potentially tinkering more for the EFL Cup clash with Brentford on December the 22nd.

Even so, ex-Everton man, Romelu Lukaku, and Andreas Christensen will be eyeing first-team returns here, with Thiago Silva potentially standing aside, as Tuchel looks to avoid overworking the 37-year-old.

For Everton, Richarlison had to be withdrawn in the defeat to Palace, after injuring his calf, while Allan wasn’t available after picking up a minor adductor issue.

The Toffees also remain without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina, and Tom Davies. Lucas Digne is also doubtful, amid reports of an internal dispute with Benítez.

Salomón Rondón will play as the striker at Stamford Bridge, if Richarlison is not able to feature, while Anthony Gordon will hope to force his way back into midfield contention for the starting XI.

Despite recent defensive frailties, Chelsea should have way too much class for an Everton team who are depleted in attack. Our prediction is 3-0 to the Blues, with two goals coming in the second half.

Chelsea possible starting XI:
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Rüdiger, Christensen; James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Lukaku

Everton possible starting XI:
Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey; Townsend, Doucouré, Allan, Gordon; Gray; Rondón