Everton Starting XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Everton vs Chelsea Preview: Injury Concerns Shape Key Clash

Everton head into their Premier League meeting with Chelsea facing a mounting selection headache, with several key figures unavailable or uncertain ahead of kick off at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. David Moyes must once again lean on squad depth as his side looks to respond after a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Injury List Impacts Everton Setup

Everton will definitely be without Jack Grealish and Carlos Alcaraz, both sidelined through injury, while Tyrique George is unable to feature against his parent club Chelsea. Defensive stability is also under threat, with James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite both doubtful. Moyes remains hopeful they will be “in and around” the squad, though neither is guaranteed to start.

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Defensive Adjustments Likely

If Tarkowski and Branthwaite miss out, Everton could retain a makeshift back line of James Garner, Jake O’Brien, Michael Keane and Vitaliy Mykolenko. Should one return, Garner may step into midfield after his recent England recognition, allowing O’Brien to shift into a more natural defensive role.

Midfield and Attack Options

Idrissa Gueye is expected to anchor midfield, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, facing former club Chelsea, will likely operate further forward. Iliman Ndiaye offers attacking width, alongside either Dwight McNeil or Harrison Armstrong.

Up front, Beto’s recent struggles in front of goal have opened the door for Thierno Barry, who may be handed a starting opportunity to spark Everton’s attack against Chelsea.

Predicted Everton Lineup

Pickford, O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Garner, Gueye, Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Barry

Everton must find resilience and attacking clarity if they are to challenge Chelsea despite these setbacks.