Chelsea vs Everton LIVE: Nicolas Jackson’s goal earns vital three points for Blues
Chelsea 1-0 Everton: Enzo Maresca’s men move up to fourth in the table
Chelsea earned a vital three points in the race for Europe after defeating Everton 1-0 in a close encounter at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues, who are aiming to secure a place in the Champions League next year, moved up to fourth in the Premier League table following Nicolas Jackson’s sweeping strike in the first half.
Enzo Maresca’s men were the controlling side, especially in the first half, and forced a couple of decent saves out of Jordan Pickford who was on form yet again for the Toffees. Jackson’s effort, scored from range with a finely directed strike that hit the inside of the far post, defeated the Everton goalkeeper and was a difference maker in the end.
Everton fought back folowing attacking changes from David Moyes but Robert Sanchez made two crucial stops to deny Beto and Dwight McNeil.
Relive the updates from Stamford Bridge below:
Chelsea vs Everton prediction
Chelsea’s downturn in form is a worrying problem for Enzo Maresca who will be hoping to secure a solid victory over Everton this afternoon.
It will be tough against a team that David Moyes has instilled confidence and stability to but there should be enough quality in Chelsea’s line up to edge a narrow win.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton.
Everton early team news
For the visitors, Armando Broja will be ineligible to face his parent club, so Beto could start upfront in the continued absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
James Tarkowski is the only new injury concern after he picked up a hamstring issue in last week’s loss to Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Jesper Lindstrom and Orel Mangala are the long-term absentees.
Predicted Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Harrison, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto
Chelsea early team news
Defender Malo Gusto looks like the only new injury issue for Maresca after the win over Fulham, with Wesley Fofana having been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Marc Guiu will hope to make a return this season but this match will come too soon.
Other than this trio, Maresca will likely have a full squad to select from, though it remains to be seen whether he will select the same starting 11 as he did in last week’s dramatic win.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 11am. Subscribers can also watch online via discovery+.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
When is Chelsea vs Everton?
Chelsea vs Everton is due to kick off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday, 26 April at Stamford Bridge in London.
Chelsea vs Everton
Chelsea face Everton in the weekend’s early kick-off in the Premier League today, with the Blues looking to grab what could be a vital three points in the race for Champions League qualification.
Enzo Maresca’s side are in sixth as the weekend begins, and they sit two points behind Newcastle, who are in the final qualification spot with just five games left of the season.
And three points could be pivotal this weekend with five sides aiming for the last three places in the top five, with Chelsea’s task perhaps even more difficult looking at their remaining fixtures.
The Blues will face Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest as they look to secure a place in Europe’s premier cup competition, though their first test comes against David Moyes’ plucky Everton side, who have steered themselves clear of relegation and will aim to spoil the party at Stamford Bridget's afternoon.
Good morning!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Premier League action between Chelsea and Everton.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues need to pick up a vital three points in order to keep themselves in contention to secure a place in the Champions League next season but they face a tough task against David Moyes’ Toffees.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the morning so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 12.30pm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments