Chelsea are now four games without a win, but have the chance to get the season back on track against Everton on Saturday.
Ahead of the clash, Enzo Maresca has spoken to the media and provided some important updates on stars in doubt.
We think Maresca will start Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian together for the first time, but that was always dependent on how the returning Palmer’s fitness is.
We have heard from the Chelsea boss about Palmer, as well as other team news.
Chelsea’s stunning home record vs Everton 🔥
What does Enzo Maresca need to do to keep this record intact? 🤔
Chelsea have not lost any of their previous 30 Premier League home games against Everton, winning 17 and drawing 13!
General view of Stamford Bridge
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Enzo Maresca provides updates on Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana
Palmer’s return against Bournemouth didn’t meet our expectations, but that’s to be expected after months out of action.
At his press conference, reported on by Football London, Maresca was asked about his returning star’s readiness.
He said: “He’s available [Cole Palmer]. He finished the session with us yesterday with a mixed feeling, but he’s okay.”
Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
After resting for Chelsea’s recent Champions League outing, Palmer should be feeling fresh and hopefully he can put in a more familiar performance against Everton.
As for Wesley Fofana, he went off after getting hit in the eye against Atalanta, but he too should be good to feature.
As Maresca explains: “Wes is fine. He completed the session yesterday. He’s fine.”
This is a must-win game for Chelsea
It’s not like failing to get three points against Everton would put Maresca’s job at risk, but it would add fuel to that particular fire.
Even ignoring the midweek disappointment, Chelsea have dropped points to Leeds and Bournemouth in recent weeks. Any more and the margin to the title racers will become uncomfortably wide.
That’s not to say Everton are an easy proposition. The Toffees are just one point behind Chelsea in the Premier League.
But this does feel like a game where anything but a win will stir up an already irate Chelsea fanbase.
The home side need to show up like they have against Arsenal, Barcelona and Spurs — not as they have in recent outings.
Thankfully, Maresca has most of his best tools available.
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