It's been a challenging season for Chelsea, with a mix of wins, draws, and losses leaving them in ninth place with 44 points. Despite this, under Mauricio Pochettino's leadership, they're on a seven-game unbeaten run, still in contention for a European finish.
While Chelsea managed a thrilling 4-3 win against Manchester United in their last home game, they were held to a draw by Sheffield United. Their recent unbeaten streak is positive, but they've struggled to convert draws into wins lately.
Looking ahead, Chelsea faces tough matches against Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur. Pochettino's tenure has faced scrutiny due to injuries, which continue to challenge the team.
On the Everton side, they're coming off a 1-0 win against Burnley, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring the decisive goal. Despite recent points against Newcastle United and Burnley, Everton is still in relegation danger, sitting just two points clear of 18th place.
While Everton has struggled away from home, they did beat Chelsea earlier in the season and aim for their first league double over them in 45 years. Scoring has been a problem for Everton, but Calvert-Lewin's recent form brings hope after a long goal drought.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Chelsea will welcome Malo Gusto back into their starting lineup after he was rested due to illness in the last match against Sheffield United. Ben Chilwell might also make a return to the squad for Monday's game.However, there are doubts surrounding Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi, which might prompt a reshuffle in the team. Conor Gallagher could drop into central midfield, allowing Mykhaylo Mudryk to step into the starting eleven.
Raheem Sterling and Robert Sanchez are uncertain due to illnesses, while several players including Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill, and Lesley Ugochukwu are unavailable for selection.
Thiago Silva, who scored in the previous game against Sheffield United, is likely to retain his place in the starting lineup against Everton.
For Everton, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye are expected to return to the squad, and there's a possibility of Arnaut Danjuma making a comeback after a long absence.
Despite concerns over a slight hamstring issue, Calvert-Lewin is expected to start, while James Garner is available despite initial worries about a knock.
Dele Alli and Lewis Dobbin won't be available for selection, but otherwise, Sean Dyche could have a full squad at his disposal, which is crucial at this stage of the season.
Jack Harrison might earn a starting spot in a wide position for Everton on Monday, with Ashley Young potentially moving to the bench at Stamford Bridge.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Petrovic; Gusto, T Silva, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Onana, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-2 Everton
