Everton vs Chelsea Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Everton play host to title favourites Chelsea at Goodison Park on Saturday evening with both sides looking to protect their unbeaten records so far this season.

The Toffees have started the new campaign with successive 2-2 draws against Leicester City and Arsenal, and Roberto Martinez would have been disappointed in the manner his side have relinquished the lead on both occasions.

Leicester twice came from behind to secure a draw on the opening day while with less than 10 minutes remaining, Arsenal came from two-down to claim a point at Goodison last weekend, so Martinez will be desperate for his side to cling on should they go ahead this time around.

Chelsea on the other hand have a 100% record so far this season having followed up a 3-1 win over Burnley with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Leicester at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Jose Mourinho’s men appear to have hit the ground running and the Blues boss will be keen to head in to the international break with nine points on the board in the Premier League table.

Team news

Everton are sweating on the fitness of former Chelsea strikers Romelu Lukaku and Samuel Eto’o. Lukaku has a toe injury while Eto’o is lacking match fitness, and both strikers will be given late fitness tests ahead of the game.

Matinez is certain to be without midfielder Steven Pienaar after he picked up a groin injury last weekend, and he joins Darron Gibson, Bryan Oviedo and Arouna Kone on the sidelines.

Christian Atsu is unable to play against his parent club due to the terms of his loan agreement.

Chelsea will give Diego Costa every chance to prove his fitness after the striker tweaked his hamstring in training this week, although Mourinho said earlier today the best he could hope for is a place on the bench, which is likely to mean Didier Drogba will start up front.

The Blues have no other injury worries to contend with but the likes of Willian and Filipe Luis are pushing for recalls.

Likely Line-Ups

Kay Man

Cesc Fabregas: The Spaniard has been instrumental in Chelsea’s opening two games and he’ll be the player Everton will want to keep a close eye on tomorrow.

Predicted Score

Everton 1-1 Chelsea: Goodison is never an easy place to go and Everton have won four of their last five league games at home to Chelsea, so they have an excellent record against the west Londoners. However, I can see Mourinho’s men taking at least a point away from Merseyside this time around.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your predicted score?