Chelsea predicted line-up vs Everton: two changes made as £47m gem stars

Chelsea flew out of the block again last weekend, bulldozing their way past Bournemouth with a comprehensive 5-1 Premier League win at Stamford Bridge. A brace from both Jordan Henderson and Joao Pedro, plus a goal from Morgan Rogers saw the Blues complete the rout, which saw them finish the weekend sixth in the Premier League table.

This Saturday, they travel to take on high-flying Everton, who are a place above the Blues in the table after an impressive start to the new season. David Moyes’ side are unbeaten across their first six matches of the league season, and will be looking to replicate the performance that saw them thump Chelsea 3-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last March.

Heading into the game, Blues boss Xabi Alonso has relatively few injury concerns. Reece James, however, is a serous doubt, after he missed last weekend’s win over the Cherries with an unspecified knock. Jamie Gittens looks to be out for the foreseeable future due to an injury suffered during the international break, while summer signing Emmanuel Emegha also looks set to miss out.

As Chelsea go through their final preparations ahead of their clash against Everton - a side they haven’t managed to beat since back in 2022 - this is the most likely starting XI that Alonso will field to take on the Toffees.

Will Reece James start against Everton?

In goal, expect to see Emi Martinez start once again. He’s made some excellent saves since coming in to replace the struggling Robert Sanchez, but is yet to pick up a clean sheet. Alonso looks set to stick with his back three and ride out the storm of conceded goals - £52m Maxence Lacroix is set to start at the heart of that defence.

Chelsea opted to drop the struggling Wesley Fofana for the visit of Brentford, and he could remain on the bench this Saturday lunchtime with rising star Josh Acheampong set to keep his starting spot. He’ll be on the right side of the back three, with Levi Colwill set to reprise his role over on the left side to complete the trio.

Reece James looks unlikely to play against Everton as things stand. In his place, right wing-back Marco Palestra could be handed his first Chelsea start, after making his competitive debut from the bench last weekend. On the left side, Pep Chavarria’s fine performance against the Cherries could see him keep his place over Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Everton: midfield and attack

Henderson was exceptional for Chelsea last weekend, scoring two goals and providing an assist. Against Everton, however, Alonso may look to pack his midfield with some grit, and could favour Belgium international Romeo Lavia over the veteran ex-Liverpool star. Moises Caicedo will almost certainly partner him in midfield.

Moving up the pitch, Cole Palmer is set to continue on the right side of a formidable attacking trio. He’ll play alongside Rogers, who has been working hard to show he was worth the whopping £117m the Blues paid Aston Villa to sign him last summer - a deal that saw him pinched from right under the noses of a hesitant Arsenal.

Up top, expect to see star man Joao Pedro leading the line. He’s made a real mockery of Brazil’s decision to snub him from their World Cup campaign, blasting his way to five goals in as many games so far this season. He’s currently only one goal behind Man City’s Erling Haaland in the race to win the 2026/27 Premier League Golden Boot award.

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