**Everton**and **Chelsea**are currently only separated in the Premier League table by a point. **Enzo Maresca's**Chelsea are fifth on 25 points, whilst The Toffees are seventh.
It has the potential to be an evenly matched game as David Moyes' side come into this one on a good run of form. They suffered a 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle United two weeks ago but that is their only defeat in their last five games. Standout recent results include a 1-0 win at Manchester United, where they played much of the game with ten men and then last week they comfortably put three past Nottingham Forest to win 3-0.
It is also worth adding that Moyes' side have won their last two away games and have kept clean sheets in both outings. They have not won away against Chelsea since 1994 so will know the challenge they face but have reasons to be optimistic.
Last season's game between the two sides were close affairs with Chelsea winning the game at Stamford Bridge 1-0 and the match at Everton's former home, Goodison Park, ended 0-0.
Everton's success build on a solid defence?
**Everton**do not concede too many goals and teams that are solid at the back will always have a chance in games.
Jordan Pickford in goal has been a figure that the club can rely on and he is **England's**undoubted number one goalkeeper.
Pickford is a leader at the back and even when he makes mistakes, as happened in the recent Newcastle game where he may be disappointed with some of the goals conceded, he has the ability to make key saves for the side.
In front of him is a solid and experienced partnership of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane. They are defenders who are strong and are not afraid of the physical aspects of the game.
Defensive solidity is one thing but Moyes has added some exciting options with the arrivals of **Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall**and Jack Grealish in the summer.
Those two have significantly strengthened the attacking options available for the Merseyside club. Both players may also be looking to impress Thomas Tuchel and work their way into the England **World Cup**squad. Dewsbury-Hall is yet to play for the national side at any level but his form for The Toffees may not have gone unnoticed. He scored last time out in the Forest game and was man of the match.
Grealish is playing once again with freedom and often looks to cut inside from the wing and cause problems for defenders.
Both have chipped in with vital goals and assists this season. After recent performances, their displays this weekend will be under the spotlight.
Striker Thierno Barry had started a lot of games since joining in the summer but was yet to score. Fans were praising his work off the ball but as a striker the expectations are that you find the back of the net so there will likely be a feeling of relief from Barry and the fans after he scored his first goal last week.
Everton have possibly been lacking a real attacking threat from a central striker for a number of years as Dominic Calvert-Lewin spent a lot of time out of the side due to injuries and Beto has been inconsistent at times since he arrived. If Barry can start to find the net more regularly then this would clearly benefit the team.
Are Everton competing for European football this season?
After relegation struggles over recent years, where survival has sometimes come down to the last game of the season, fans will be hoping that with the new stadium and Moyes in charge they can look upwards.
There was an improvement when Moyes returned last season and delivered a mid table finish. The signs this year look positive. It is still early in the season and the table remains tight but there will certainly be a belief that they can kick-on and compete higher up the table.
They are currently placed above city rivals Liverpool in the table and this will also be something that will bring joy to the fans.
It will be a test against Chelsea and Moyes will not underestimate the threat that the Londoners provide. That said, they will know that Chelsea are without a win in their last three and recently suffered a disappointing defeat at Leeds United. They also lost 2-1 away at **Atalanta**in the UEFA Champions League in midweek so do not come into this game in the best form. Moyes' side have had a full week to prepare for this match.
If Everton can come away from London with a positive result then this could be the game where people, if they have not already, take notice of Everton and consider them as a serious contender for European qualification.
It could be argued that in recent weeks they have quietly gone under the radar but with a solid defensive record and a 3-0 win last week, they have the qualities needed and are looking consistent at the moment.