Chelsea raise the curtain on their 2022/23 season with a historically challenging trip to Goodison Park against Everton on Saturday.
The Toffees have won all four of these sides’ most recent League encounters in Merseyside – with Frank Lampard’s men claiming a scrappy 1-0 victory towards the back-end of last season –restricting the Blues to just a single goal in those fixtures.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will be keen to get out of the blocks early following a challenging pre-season, especially given the quality of competition for top four places this campaign. Keep an eye out on the new signings, at least a couple of whom you would expect to start.
The Hosts – Everton :
Everton only avoided an unprecedented relegation from England’s top-flight on the penultimate week of last season, amidst a woeful run of away games and an insignificant managerial change (which saw former Chelsea hero Lampard take the helm).
The Merseysider’s were much more prolific at home however, and built up just enough defensive astuteness to see out a particularly difficult campaign.
Despite the relief of their escape though, confidence won’t particularly be high after they shipped Richarlison to Tottenham and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin facing anther spell on the sidelines. They look a bit shy for options upfront, with Salomon Rondon suspended, but Dwight McNeil looks a fantastic buy on the left-hand side.
Frank Lampard confirmed Yerry Mina is available for selection, whilst Allan, Seamus Coleman and former Blue Asmir Begovic are also in contention to make the squad on Saturday. Expect a typically frantic approach from the home side as they aim to unsettle this new-look Chelsea side.
Chelsea Team News :
Chelsea have a relatively free bill of health as they begin their season, although match fitness seems to be the main concern for several players. Ben Chilwell, for example, looked miles off the pace in pre-season and sadly may have to wait a few more weeks before featuring in the League.
It’s been a summer of change for the Blues, who have been flexing their financial muscle again during club owner Todd Boehly’s first transfer window. Raheem Sterling is likely to make his official debut after looking threatening in pre-season, whilst defender Kalidou Koulibaly is likewise expected to start. Tuchel will hope both can play a key role ifChelsea are to win their third straight PL season opener.
The Blues looked poor in travels around America and there is genuine concern about the competitive state of the squad as we enter the new season. A chastening trip to Goodison – with Chelsea’s aforementioned dismal record – will be an adequate test of the team’s current level.
Expected line-up (3-4-3): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Havertz, Sterling.
