Chelsea vs Everton LIVE: Team information and updates as Blues look to earn very important three factors in race for Champions League
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 will miss Tarkowski
James Tarkowski has won more duels than any other Premier League player this season (199), while he ranks second for clearances (209) and fourth for blocks (42).
He will be a big miss for Everton today?
Nicolas Jackson scored nine and assisted three goals in his first 15 Premier League appearances this season, averaging a goal involvement every 99 minutes.
He’s since failed to score in his last 12 league outings, providing only two assists.
A bogey stadium for Moyes
David Moyes is winless on all 19 Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge. He has only managed at Anfield more often without ever winning (20).
Unwanted records
Only the bottom three clubs have won fewer than Everton’s eight matches in this campaign.
While Leicester City (15) are the only side to fail to score in more Premier League games this season than Everton’s 14.
Palmer vs Everton
Cole Palmer has failed to score in 16 games in all competitions, including 11 in the Premier League.
However, Palmer has scored four Premier League goals against Everton, his second-highest tally against any team after Brighton (five).
Everton waiting for a win
Everton have only won one of their last eight league matches (five draws, two defeats), with that coming via a 90th-minute winner at Nottingham Forest.
The Toffees have drawn a league-high 14 games this season.
A dip in form?
After only losing one of David Moyes’ first 10 Premier League games in charge since returning to the club, Everton have now lost two of their last four.
Will that trend continue at Stamford Bridge?
Comeback kings
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games, coming from behind at half-time to draw with Ipswich Town and to win 2-1 versus Fulham in their last two.
The Blues are averaging a league-high 18.8 shots per home game this season, which is their highest ratio at Stamford Bridge in more than a decade.
