Seamus Coleman out and Fabian Delph axed in 4 changes – Everton predicted XI v Chelsea
Everton could make four changes to their starting XI for tonight’s Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (16 December).
The Blues lost 3-1 at Crystal Palace on Sunday (12 December) and they are now counting the cost of further injuries this week that have decimated their squad.
Rafa Benitez held his pre-match press conference on Wednesday (15 December) and confirmed a number of absentees for Thursday’s game.
Lucas Digne has missed Everton’s last two matches after falling out with Benitez, and while he was in contention to start against Chelsea, Benitez claims he is now ruled out after becoming ill.
Richarlison (calf) and Andros Townsend (broken bone) are also ruled out with injuries while a late decision is set to be made on captain Seamus Coleman (swollen foot).
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is said to be making good progress but Benitez struck a cautionary tone over his star striker, casting doubts over any involvement against Chelsea.
He was more positive on Allan, though, who missed the defeat at Palace, saying that “he will be available” if the Spaniard needs him.
Jordan Pickford will start in goal behind a depleted Blues defence, with Jonjoe Kenny, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey their only fit, senior options.
Kenny, 24, has played just once in the Premier League this season, as a late substitute against Aston Villa in September, but Coleman may not be risked with a more important game on Sunday (19 December) against Leicester City at Goodison Park.
Allan could replace Fabian Delph in midfield to form a trio with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andre Gomes.
Demarai Gray is an obvious starter but with Richarlison and Townsend out injured, two changes will have to be made in attack.
Rondon is nailed-on to start at centre-forward after scoring his first Everton goal at Selhurst Park, but there looks to be a two-way fight between Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi for the final position.
Gordon may be happier off the left, giving Iwobi a chance of starting, but the Nigeria international appears to be out of favour under Benitez having remained on the bench in two of their last three games.
Here’s how we expect Everton to line up at Stamford Bridge tonight…
In other Everton news, the Blues have reportedly made a major signing this week with an announcement imminent.
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