Everton expected starting XI vs Chelsea - as Frank Lampard contends with five players missing
Everton team news and predicted line-up for the 2022-23 Premier League opening fixture against Chelsea.
Everton begin their 2022-23 Premier League campaign when Chelsea visit Goodison Park this evening (17.30 BST).
Certainly, the Toffees will be hoping for less of a rollercoaster season this time around.
Last term, Everton avoided relegation by just four points and only confirmed their top-flight status with a dramatic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on the penultimate day.
Frank Lampard has recruited three players in the summer transfer window so far - James Tarkowski, Dwight McNeil and Ruben Vinagre (loan).
And two new midfielders in Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye are expected to arrive imminently.
Still, Lampard faces a stiff challenge against the club where he’s etched into folklore, having won every trophy possible with Chelsea as a player.
Everton are without a senior striker with Dominic Calvert-Lewin sidelined for six weeks, Salomon Rondon suspended and Richarlison being sold to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the window.
Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman, Tom Davies and Andre Gomes have been ruled out.
Here’s how we think Everton will line-up.
1. GK - Jordan Pickford
Set to captain Everton with Seamus Coleman absent. He put in a dazzling performance in this fixture last season.
Photo: NIGEL RODDIS/AFP via Getty Images
2. CB - Ben Godfrey
Seemingly won the spot on the right-hand side of the back three in pre-season. Now will be hoping he has no interruptions like last term.
Photo: NIGEL RODDIS/AFP via Getty Images
3. CB - Yerry Mina
Plays when he is fit. If he can remain injury-free, Mina will be a huge asset.
Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
4. CB - James Tarkowski
The defender has looked highly impressive in pre-season. Now it’s time for the proper acid test on his debut.