Evertonvs.Chelsea

Manager Sean Dyche revealed post-match that a recent knee issue had flared up, and ahead of this upcoming encounter, the Everton boss has confirmed that the player is "touch and go" about whether he will make it.

Leeds United loanee Jack Harrison was the man who stepped in for McNeil at the Emirates, but was hooked shortly after the hour mark after failing to have much of an influence on proceedings, opening the door for Jesper Lindstrom to potentially come in if McNeil does not make it.

Just a couple of weeks after making his debut, and showing promising signs in two substitute appearances, Everton will be without Armando Broja here because he is ineligible to face his parent club.

With Beto being relegated to third choice, that means Dominic Calvert-Lewin will start again seeking to end a dismal 11-game run without a goal which dates back to mid-September.

Youssef Chermiti is nearing a return after making appearances in some practice games behind closed doors recently, but midfield pair James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are still unavailable due to injury.

There were also fears during the week that Jarrad Branthwaite could miss this one after feeling tightness in the aftermath of their draw at Arsenal, but the young defender has trained all week and is set to be fine to feature.

Since returning from his early-season setbacks, Everton have kept four clean sheets in five games with Branthwaite in the team, proving that last season's excellent defensive record was no fluke, when the Toffees ranked fourth in fewest goals conceded.

While their attacking woes go on despite a 4-0 win over Wolves recently, Iliman Ndiaye continues to impress and provide the supporters with some much-needed excitement during times when it can be a difficult watch.

The Senegalese international has completed 38 dribbles in the Premier League this season, which is already higher than the team's best individual tally from the whole of last season - McNeil with 30.

Dele Alli has also confirmed that he will leave the club where he has been training since the summer in attempts to get his career back on track in the new year, with Italian side Como reportedly interested in giving him a contract.

Everton possible starting lineup:

Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin

Written by

Andrew Delaney