Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs Everton as Romeo Lavia and Axel Disasi calls made

Chelsea will be hoping to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool with victory over Everton this weekend. The Reds will be praying for their Merseyside rivals to do them a favour, but Enzo Maresca’s side are the heavy favourites.

The Blues have won their last eight matches in all competitions and will be high on confidence after thrashing Shamrock Rovers in midweek. They will be looking for another big win against Everton, who are still trying to steer clear of a relegation dogfight.

Another victory could see Chelsea move to the top of the Premier League table if Liverpool fail to beat Tottenham. However, with a number of defensive injuries for the Blues to contend with, it will be easier said than done.

Express Sport takes a look at how Chelsea could line up against Everton…

Chelsea predicted XI vs Everton

Goalkeeper – Sanchez

Maresca has made it clear that he is planning to stick with Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Spaniard has not been entirely convincing at times this season, but he still has the unequivocal backing of his manager.

As a result, he will almost certainly be tasked with earning his fourth clean sheet of the campaign against Everton on Sunday.

Defence – Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga

Chelsea will be forced to deploy a makeshift backline with Marc Cucurella suspended and Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Reece James all injured.

Tosin Adarabioyo could partner Levi Colwill in central defence, while Malo Gusto is likely to start on the right-hand side. Renato Veiga could play on the left if he gets the nod ahead of Axel Disasi and youngster Josh Acheampong.

Midfield – Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer

It will be business as usual in the middle of the park, with Moises Caicedo featuring alongside Enzo Fernandez in the engine room. Romeo Lavia is unlikely to be involved after it was revealed that he is struggling to recover from a hamstring injury.

Cole Palmer, the best player in the team by some distance, will be deployed in his usual creative role just behind the striker.

Attack – Neto, Sancho, Jackson

Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho were rested in midweek, suggesting they could return to Chelsea’s starting side for the trip to Everton. Mykhailo Mudryk is provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test, while Joao Felix could be named on the bench.

Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile, will likely get the nod up front despite Marc Guiu scoring a brilliant hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers.

Predicted Chelsea XI vs Everton: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.