Chelsea host Everton in the weekend’s early kick-off in the Premier League today, with Enzo Maresca’s side in desperate need of three points as they hunt Champions League qualification.
The Blues sit in sixth coming into the weekend, two points behind Newcastle, who are currently occupying the last Champions League spot with five matches to go.
And Chelsea have perhaps the most difficult remaining fixtures out of the five sides aiming for the last three places in the top five, so it could be vital to pick up three points here ahead of matches against Liverpool, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Everton have little to play for after David Moyes steered them clear of relegation since taking over in January, though they’ll aim to spoil the party at Stamford Bridge as they look to end the season on a high.
Follow all the latest team news, build-up and updates from Stamford Bridge below:
Everton early team news
For the visitors, Armando Broja will be ineligible to face his parent club, so Beto could start upfront in the continued absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
James Tarkowski is the only new injury concern after he picked up a hamstring issue in last week’s loss to Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Jesper Lindstrom and Orel Mangala are the long-term absentees.
Predicted Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Harrison, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto
Chelsea early team news
Defender Malo Gusto looks like the only new injury issue for Maresca after the win over Fulham, with Wesley Fofana having been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Marc Guiu will hope to make a return this season but this match will come too soon.
Other than this trio, Maresca will likely have a full squad to select from, though it remains to be seen whether he will select the same starting 11 as he did in last week’s dramatic win.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 11am. Subscribers can also watch online via discovery+.
When is Chelsea vs Everton?
Chelsea vs Everton is due to kick off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday, 26 April at Stamford Bridge in London.
Chelsea vs Everton
Chelsea face Everton in the weekend’s early kick-off in the Premier League today, with the Blues looking to grab what could be a vital three points in the race for Champions League qualification.
Enzo Maresca’s side are in sixth as the weekend begins, and they sit two points behind Newcastle, who are in the final qualification spot with just five games left of the season.
And three points could be pivotal this weekend with five sides aiming for the last three places in the top five, with Chelsea’s task perhaps even more difficult looking at their remaining fixtures.
The Blues will face Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest as they look to secure a place in Europe’s premier cup competition, though their first test comes against David Moyes’ plucky Everton side, who have steered themselves clear of relegation and will aim to spoil the party at Stamford Bridget’s afternoon.
Good morning!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Premier League action between Chelsea and Everton.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues need to pick up a vital three points in order to keep themselves in contention to secure a place in the Champions League next season but they face a tough task against David Moyes’ Toffees.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the morning so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 12.30pm.