Everton play their first match since being handed their latest Premier League points deduction when they make the trip to Chelsea (20.00 BST).
The Toffees were last week docked two points for being guilty of breaching profit and sustainability rules. And after being hit with a six-point punishment earlier in the campaign, it’s dragged Everton into the relegation shake-up.
The Blues should be in 14th and 10 points above the drop zone. Instead, Sean Dyche’s men are 16th and just two points clear of the bottom three. But their situation remains in their own hands, with 18th-placed Luton Town suffered a 5-1 defeat by Manchester City last weekend.
It means that Everton mathematically need 14 points from their remaining seven games to confirm survival, although it’s likely to be less. Last time out, Dyche’s side arrested a 13-match winless streak by defeating Burnley 1-0 at Goodison.
They now prepare to face a Chelsea side who have been volatile throughout the campaign. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have quality in abundance but are also vulnerable, having drawn 2-2 against basement side Sheffield United in their previous game.
Dyche’s options are set to be boosted by the returns of Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Arnaut Danjuma although the Everton boss admitted at his pre-match press conference that Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Garner were carrying issues.
The Toffees can also take confidence that they beat Chelsea 2-0 in the reverse fixture at Goodison in December and have earned draws in their past two visits to Stamford Bridge.
With everything in mind, here’s the Everton team predicted to face Chelsea.

1. GK - Jordan Pickford
England's No.1 keeper will want a 14th clean sheet and to take impetus into this summer's Euros. | Getty Images

2. RB - Ben Godfrey
The defender was benched against Sheffield United last week but could return to hand the pace of Arsenal's attack ahead of Seamus Coleman. The Everton captain has been offered a new 12-month contract. | Getty Images

3. CB - James Tarkowski
The Everton vice-captain has been robust and put his body on the line throughout the season. He'll have to do that one final time. Photo: Lewis Storey

4. CB - Jarrad Branthwaite
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a season that has surpassed expectations. Supporters will be hoping that this is not Branthwaite's farewell game given the interest in him. | Getty Images


