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

Chelsea get back to Premier League action as the take on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

Jose Mourinho’s men currently sit in second spot in the Premier League table with seven points having won their opening two games against Hull City and Aston Villa before drawing 0-0 at Old Trafford.

The Blues lost the European Super Cup on penalties to Bayern Munich following an entertaining 2-2 draw before the international break, so Mourinho will no doubt be keen to get back to winning ways this weekend.

The Portuguese boss is yet to taste defeat at Goodison Park having won four and draw two of his games there during his first spell in charge at Stamdford Bridge, and victory on Saturday evening will see his side top the table until Monday at least, when Liverpool take on Swansea.

Everton have endured a frustrating start to the new season having drawn all three of their games so far against Norwich, West Brom and Cardiff – all games that Roberto Martinez would have seen as winable – so the Spaniard will be looking to register his first three points in front of his home crowd this weekend.

Team News

Chelsea are expected to hand new striker Samuel Eto’o his debut after his signing from Anzhi Makhachkala. The Cameroonian is likely to replace Fernando Torres in attack despite the Spaniard’s impressive display against Bayern last time out.

Willian is also in line to make his debut and could play ahead of Juan Mata, while Eden Hazard is available despite being forced to miss Belgiam’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland with an Achilles problem.

Mourinho has no fresh injury concerns to deal with and has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Everton are expected to hand debuts to James McCarthy and Gareth Barry after the pair sealed moves to Goodison Park on deadline day.

McCarthy is available despite picking up a knock while away with the Republic of Ireland in midweek, and the same goes for full-back Seamus Coleman.

On-loan striker Romelu Lukaku isn’t available as he can not feature against his parent club. Midfielder Darron Gibson and defender Antolin Alcaraz both remain on the sidelines.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Everton 1-2 Chelsea: Martinez has his side playing some decent football but Mourinho will find a way to take all three points back down south.

What would be your preferred line-up for the game and what’s your score prediction? Share your views below.