Everton make the trip to Chelsea in the Premier League today in their final game before the international break
The Toffees have made marked improvements since Sean Dyche took the reins, with nine points garnered from seven matches.
A 1-0 defeat of Brentford last weekend moved Everton up to 15th in the Premier League table although the drop zone still looms large. Dyche knows that there is still more progress to be made - especially away from home. The Blues have won just once on their travels this season.
They now prepare to face a Chelsea side who’ve started to click under Graham Potter after a plethora of signings last summer and in the January transfer window. Everton will be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again because of a hamstring issue while Andros Townsend has been sidelined for a year with an ACL issue.
Here’s the Everton team we predict to face Chelsea.
1. GK - Jordan Pickford
The England No.1 will have been disappointed to have conceded three points against Fulham and may be kept on his toes again.
2. RB - Nathan Patterson
Was run ragged after coming on against Fulham but Ben Godfrey has been poor for the past two games and Patterson may be given a chance.
3. CB - Michael Keane
Was part of a lacklustre defensive performance last time but Dyche seems to have settled on Keane as his preferred option.
4. CB - James Tarkowski
Had one of his poorest games for Everton since arriving against Fulham and needs to bounce back.