Chelsea v Everton Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups & Predicted Score

Chelsea welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge on the final day of the season for what will be the last game in charge for both managers.

Rafa Benitez will end his time as interim coach at Chelsea and while his appointment wasn’t a popular one with Blues’ fans, there can be no denying the Spaniard has done an excellent job under difficult circumstances since taking over from Roberto Di Matteo.

The west Londoners head into the game after a dramatic last-gasp victory over Benfica in the Europa League final on Wednesday night and they are also guaranteed at least fourth place in the Premier League.

A win on Sunday will secure third and automatic qualification to the Champions League next season, but should the Blues draw and Arsenal win at Newcastle there is the possibility the two clubs would be forced into a play-off to determine who finishes in that all-important third place.

For Everton this will be David Moyes final game in charge before he heads off to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. The Toffees beat West Ham 2-0 in Moyes final home game and he will want to end his 10-years in charge in style with a win at the Bridge this weekend.

Whatever the result though, Everton are guaranteed sixth spot and to finish above rivals Liverpool, although there will be no European football on Merseyside next season after cup successes for Wigan and Swansea.

Team News

Chelsea will continue to be without captain John Terry who missed Wednesday’s cup final with a knee injury picked up against Aston Villa last weekend. Eden Hazard is also out with a hamstring strain and Ryan Bertrand misses out with a knee problem.

John Obi Mikel is likely to get a recall in place of Frank Lampard, while Demba Ba is expected to play ahead of Fernando Torres having been ineligible to play against Benfica. Victor Moses may also get the nod ahead of Ramires on the right.

Captain Phil Neville will miss his final game as an Everton player due to a knee injury and he’s joined on the sidelines by midfielder Leon Osman, who’s out with fluid on his knee. This could mean a recall for Jelovic up front with Marouane Fellaini dropping back into midfield.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Chelsea are unbeaten in seven games and have coped with a packed fixture list superbly in recent weeks. Despite feeling the effects of their midweek heroics, I expect the Blues to edge past Everton this Sunday and secure third spot. Chelsea 2-1 Everton

What would be your starting eleven and whats your score prediction for the game? Get involved in the comments section below.