Chelsea vs Everton: live stream and TV channel, how to watch, team news and predicted line-ups

Rafa Benitez is aiming to ease the pressure on his position as Everton boss when they travel to Chelsea on Thursday evening (19.45).

The Toffees chief has come under intense scrutiny after managing to pick up just four points in their past 10 games.

A meek 3-1 loss at Crystal Palace on Sunday left plenty of fans calling for Benitez’s head.

Now Everton face Chelsea - a team Benitez once managed - who are third in the Premier League table and bona fide title contenders.

Here is all the key information you need to know ahead of the game.

What’s the Chelsea team news?

The home side have been handed a boost after N’golo Kante returned to full training this week.

The influential midfielder could come back into the starting line-up immediatley.

Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic may return to the fray.He’s not played since October because of a hamstring injury before contracting Covid and has been forced to isolate.

Trevoh Chalobah has missed the past three games and appears unavailable once again.

Ben Chilwell continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury.

What’s the Everton team news?

Benitez could be without as many as five regular starters after being handed a triple injury blow earlier this week.

It’s been confirmed that Richarlison is sidelined for several weeks with a calf injury he suffered at Palace.

To compound that loss, Andros Townsend and Seamus Coleman also picked up problems. The former is definitely out while Coleman’s set to be assessed.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues his comeback from a quad injury while Yerry Mina (calf) is a doubt.

Allan was also not available for the Selhurst Park defeat but Rafa Benitez is hopeful he will be available.

Meanwhile, Benitez confirmed Lucas Digne was set to return to his set-up, having been dropped for the past two days. However, the France international is ill and now won’t feature.

Tom Davies (knee) remains absent.

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea (3-4-3): Mendy, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso, Mount, Lukaku, Pulisic.

Everton (4-3-3): Pickford, Kenny, Keane, Holgate, Godfrey, Allan, Delph, Doucoure, Iwobi, Rondon, Gray.

Is the match on TV?

Yes. The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2. Coverage begins at 19.15.

Overseas viewers should check local listings.

How can I stream it?

Those who already subscribe to BT Sport can watch the match online via the website or BT Sport app.

Can I watch if I’m not a BT Sport subscriber?

Unfortunately not. You can, however, purchase a monthly BT Sport pass for £25 and it is contract-free. The pass will renew automatically but can be cancelled whenever you like.

Where can I check out highlights?

Clips of the encounter will be uploaded shortly after full-time on the BT Sport app and bt.com/sport.

Clips throughout the match will also be uploaded.

You can also watch highlights on the broadcaster’s YouTube channel.