Chelsea face Everton at Goodison Park in just under an hour, and the teams are in!
In goal, Robert Sanchez keeps his place to follow on from a game against Brentford where he played a huge role in keeping his team ahead, and was rightly praised by his manager.
Ahead of him a defence which still struggles to keep clean sheets has had some tweaks. The suspended Marc Cucurella looks to have been replaced at left back by Levi Colwill, who played this role a few times last season.
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Marc Cucurella scores against Shamrock Rovers. (Credit: TNT Sports)
Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong on the USA tour.
Josh Acheampong plays against Barrow. (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo make up the central defensive partnership – this has been the B team pair at times this season, so hopefully they have some familiarity. Malo Gusto is at right back, hoping to find some form and get forward.
Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto lead a line of Chelsea players. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto lead a line of Chelsea players. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
In midfield it’s Moises Caicedo holding down the number 6 role, with Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer roaming ahead of him. Colwill could invert when his team are on the ball to add an extra option in possession.
The strong three sees Pedro Neto return from suspension to play out wide on the right, with Jadon Sancho on the left and Nicolas Jackson leading the line.
There are a number of players out at the moment, but there’s still plenty of quality on the bench – Noni Madueke will be keep to come on, plus Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong who have impressed in recent Conference League starts.
Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku have both recovered from recent knocks to be available too, meaning plenty of firepower to bring on in the second half if needed. Cesare Casadei is the only true midfielder on the bench, one slight area of weakness in the squad right now with Romeo Lavia out injured.
Here are the full team line-ups for Everton vs Chelsea (kick off at 14:00 GMT)
CHELSEA:
Here it is: your #EVECHE team news! 👊#CFC pic.twitter.com/92hmVd8YX9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 22, 2024
More Stories about Malo Gusto
Marc Cucurella scores against Shamrock Rovers. (Credit: TNT Sports)
Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong on the USA tour.
Josh Acheampong plays against Barrow. (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)