Everton predicted XI vs Chelsea: Toffees aim to pile pressure on faltering Blues at Hill Dickinson Stadium | OneFootball

Everton welcome Chelsea to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday evening, knowing victory can drag them into one of the European slots.

Everton sit just outside the top seven and have shown signs of real progress, despite last weekend’s cruel late defeat.

Meanwhile, Chelsea arrive in turmoil, with pressure mounting after a damaging run of results across all competitions.

The stage is set for a match with massive repercussions for two teams toiling to earn their place in Europe next term.

Match preview

Manager David Moyes has steadied Everton, and there is a growing sense that this side is far more competitive than in recent seasons.

The Toffees have won four of their last 10 league matches and remain difficult to break down, even in defeat.

Their resilience against league leaders Arsenal last weekend was evidence of that.

However, consistency at home remains an issue. Everton have won just one of their last seven league games at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Chelsea arrive wounded, having lost two of their last three league games.

The Blues were dismantled by Paris Saint-Germain in Europe, exiting the Champions League in humiliating fashion.

Defensive fragility continues to haunt them. The Blues have conceded in eight consecutive Premier League matches, and confidence appears fragile.

Still, they remain dangerous. No team has a higher non-penalty xG than Chelsea (52.8), highlighting their attacking threat despite inconsistency.

Their attacking numbers are among the best in the league, even if their finishing has often let them down.

Everton vs Chelsea head-to-head and match stats

Everton have lost just one of their last eight home league games against Chelsea.

However, they have failed to score in 12 of their last 19 Premier League meetings with the Blues, including the last four in a row.

Chelsea are looking to complete their first league double over Everton since 2016/17.

Everton team news

Moyes is hopeful of welcoming back the ‘outstanding’ James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, though the latter may only make the bench.

Jack Grealish and Charly Alcaraz are ruled out. Tyrique George, 20, is ineligible against his parent club, meaning Dwight McNeil starts on the flanks again.

James Garner remains pivotal and can operate in midfield alongside Idrissa Gueye, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall expected to start in an advanced role.

Everton predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Jordan Pickford; Jake O’Brien, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, Vitaliy Mykolenko; James Garner, Idrissa Gueye; Dwight McNeil, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye; Thierno Barry.