Everton Clash With Chelsea: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and What to Expect

Chelsea head to Hill Dickinson Stadium to take on Everton in Saturday's early Premier League fixture.

Despite a disappointing end to their summer transfer window that left them thin in attack and at fullback, the Toffees are just one match away from their longest unbeaten start to a Premier League season since 2006–07. David Moyes's squad faded badly toward the end of last season, missing out on European competition. Nevertheless, they've come back looking refreshed at the start of this new campaign.

A 10-point tally places them fifth in the standings at this early stage, separated from their upcoming opponents only by goal difference.

Chelsea's only blemish was a 3–0 loss at Brentford before the international break, when Xabi Alonso was missing several key players for a tough away fixture. The Blues bounced back last weekend with what their manager called a "complete performance," dismantling Bournemouth 5–1.

While many have questioned the early stages of Alonso's tenure, Chelsea are in a solid position and will eventually reap the rewards of their free midweeks.

Everton vs. Chelsea Score Prediction

Blues Overcome Merseyside Woes

Chelsea's inaugural visit to Everton's new ground ended in a 3–0 defeat. Robert Sánchez endured a torrid time in goal as the lively Toffees overpowered a side briefly under the charge of Liam Rosenior.

Early kickoffs can often be dull affairs that tend to favor the visiting team. Chelsea have struggled on their trips to the blue side of Merseyside in recent years, claiming victory on just one of their last nine visits. Most of those difficulties came at Goodison Park, yet their defeat here in March indicated it wasn't simply Everton's iconic old ground that was the problem. There's something about this fixture.

Perhaps this time around, things will be different.

Prediction: Everton 1–2 Chelsea

Everton Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea

Moyes delivered a "much better injury update" ahead of Chelsea's visit, with Everton potentially welcoming back starting left back Vitalii Mykolenko for the match.

Mykolenko sat out last week's draw at Hull after picking up a knock while on international duty with Ukraine, forcing Jarrad Branthwaite to fill in at a wide position. While Moyes must weigh whether to risk Mykolenko given the limited alternatives, Everton look well-settled in the rest of their lineup.

Thierno Barry squandered several chances but did find the net at Hull last weekend, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall continues to build on an impressive debut season with the Toffees. The midfielder, who faces his former club here, scored and provided an assist in Everton's 2–2 draw.

Everton predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Armstrong; Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Everton

Alonso could well name an unchanged side for Saturday's trip to Merseyside, given Chelsea's impressive display against Bournemouth last week.

Moisés Caicedo's return to the Blues' midfield proved crucial, and the Ecuadorian is likely to be paired with Jordan Henderson once again after the latter netted twice against the Cherries. While Alonso has Roméo Lavia available as an option, captain Reece James has had knee surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months.

Summer signing Marco Palestra made his Premier League debut last weekend and will be competing with fellow newcomer Pep Chavarría for a starting berth before the November international break. Young defender Josh Acheampong came on for Wesley Fofana last time out, and there's little reason for Alonso to alter that arrangement.

Emmanuel Emegha remains unavailable for the visitors, while Jamie Gittens faces a few weeks on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during the international break.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Everton (3-4-2-1): Martínez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Henderson, Caicedo, Chavarría; Palmer, Rogers; Pedro.

What Time Does Everton vs. Chelsea Kick Off?

How to Watch Everton vs. Chelsea on TV, Live Stream