Chelsea vs Everton LIVE: Nicolas Jackson purpose sends hosts forward with blazing strike
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:
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
60 mins: An hour played at Stamford Bridge. Everton still haven’t been able to translate defensive stability into a positive attack.
Chelsea are on the hunt for more goals.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
57 mins: Nearly!
Chelsea are pushing on here. Neto curls the ball into the box as Branthwaite and Madueke leap for the ball.
Branthwaite wins the battle and turns it behind.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
54 mins: Close! A misplaced pass comes towards Pickford but it’s underhit.
Jackson tries to nip in and win it first but Pickford gets to the ball and tips it just away from the striker before sending it up the pitch.
More good work from the Everton goalkeeper.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
51 mins: Save!
A corner ball comes to the near box where Madueke squeezes ahead of Mykonlenko then fizzes a shot towards goal.
Pickford sticks out a leg and turns the ball wide. Sharp work.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
48 mins: Pedro Neto dances into the box from the right wing and wins a corner after Jarrad Branthwaite deflects his attempted cross behind.
The set piece is flicked into the penalty area and Everton clear their lines.
Second half! Chelsea 1-0 Everton
David Moyes has made a change at the half-time break with Carlos Alcaraz brought on to replace Illiman Ndiaye.
No changes for Chelsea who get the ball rolling again.
HT Chelsea 1-0 Everton
As things stand, Chelsea are moving up to fourth in the Premier League table.
They have a difficult run in, probably the most difficult of any of the Champions League challengers, and today’s match is a must-win.
Another goal for the Blues will probably be enough for them to win the game today.
