Shambolic Chelsea humbled by rampant Everton

The final Premier League weekend before the March international break continues on Merseyside as Everton host Chelsea, with both teams in contention for European spots for next season.Chelsea claimed the spoils when these sides met at Stamford Bridge back in December, winning 2-0 courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, and are looking to complete a first league double over Everton since 2016/17. Everton though have a strong recent record at home against Chelsea, losing just one of their last eight home league meetings with Chelsea.

Everton came close to taking a point from their trip to league leaders Arsenal last weekend but two late goals for Mikel Arteta’s men meant David Moyes’ side went back to Merseyside with nothing.

“We did not take away what we wanted which was points,” Moyes said. “The players played really well. Scoring goals is the thing, but Arsenal make it really difficult. Overall disappointed, but pleased with how we played.”

They come into this game in eighth, with the chance to move up a spot and within two points of their opponents with a win this evening.

“They [Chelsea] are a little bit wounded, so we have to be ready for them coming to our place,” Moyes added. “Undoubtedly a talented group of players.”

James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite missed the defeat at Arsenal but are set to return this afternoon. Jack Grealish remains out for the hosts.

Chelsea have lost their last three games in all competitions, including having their Champions League campaign brought to an end in midweek, losing 3-0 at home to PSG to be condemned to an 8-2 aggregate loss to the Parisians.

“When you lose games, there is always damage attached to it,” Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior said. “There is also me, I am learning about the team, myself, my staff and the club. I learnt a lot this week. There is a resilience and determination to put things right from the team and me. We will see in the coming weeks what happens, which I am very confident about. Different challenges, every manager goes through moments like this, difficult weeks. I have had challenging periods before. At Strasbourg, we lost games. But I have always found ways to come through that. We are at that point again. As a group, we need to find a way to fight and come through a difficult period.”

Chelsea have the chance to move into fourth with a win this evening. Rosenior has confirmed that Trevoh Chalobah could be out for six weeks with an ankle injury picked up in the defeat to PSG whilst captain Reece James will also miss the trip to Everton due to an hamstring injury. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will also miss this game.

Team news to follow shortly.