Callum O'Connell

Fri 8 December 2023 16:10, UK

Coming off the back of an emphatic 3-0 win against Newcastle, Everton will be confident ahead of a visit from Chelsea as the West London side visit Goodison Park on 10 December.

Goals from Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Beto saw Sean Dyche’s team walk away with three points on 7 December and they will be looking for a repeat performance on Sunday.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have failed to win three of their last four games, and Everton will be looking to capitalise on that form and pile on the misery at Goodison Park.

Jordan Pickford, as always, will likely start between the sticks after another impressive performance which rattled the Newcastle fans and players in the week.

Seamus Coleman limped off against Newcastle after a collision with Anthony Gordon led to an apparent foot injury, and it looks unlikely Dyche will risk him here even if he is fit given his recent injury history – his fitness is paramount.

Nathan Patterson was the man to replace the captain on Thursday and could do so again here as he provides the logical option at right-back.

The rest of the Everton backline writes itself after recent performances, with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski continuing their dominant partnership which has been the baseline for every impressive performance so far this season, while Vitaliy Mykolenko will continue his form at left-back.

In midfield, Dyche could continue with the duo of Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye given their dominant display against Newcastle, although the possible return of Amadou Onana may be on the cards after the boss confirmed he has returned to full training. [Liverpool Echo, 6 December]

Ashley Young was a surprise inclusion on the right flank against Newcastle, having only previously featured in the defence, but he stepped up and played an important role on the wing, attempting six crosses and completing two key passes as well as making five tackles in a crucial display at both ends. [Sofascore]

McNeil on the opposite flank kept up his excellent form of late as he opened the scoring, and he will be the first name on the team sheet for Dyche after scoring decisive goals in each of Everton’s last two games.

In the number ten role which had usually been occupied by Doucoure, Jack Harrison was asked to play a new role and stepped up to the task. He was allowed to drift wide and get on the ball, showing his creativity with three key passes, a 100 per cent dribble success rate from three attempts, and getting two shots off. [Sofascore]

As well as his creative masterclass, Harrison also showed how his hard work off the ball can influence the game, keeping constant pressure on the Newcastle defenders as he had a 50 per cent ground duel success rate and a 100 per cent aerial success rate.

Lastly, Beto has earned the opportunity to start in place of Dominic Calvert-Lewin after scoring his first Premier League goal against Newcastle. While the Englishman led the line effectively, Beto’s powerful run and composed finish showed just what he could offer.

Dyche will have a difficult choice on his hands with either striker a perfectly viable option to start the game, but Beto seems to have earned his chance to play from the start – although he may risk being seen as an impact sub.

In other Everton news, fans will be fuming at the latest confirmed FA update.