(Football news) A desperate Everton will welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park on Sunday in the Premier League with survival at stake for the Toffees. Frank Lampard’s team lost 2-0 to rivals Liverpool last weekend while the Blues settled for a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford in midweek. Tuchel’s team are currently six points ahead of fourth place Arsenal and should comfortably secure Champions League qualification, given their relatively easy fixtures.
In team news, Everton are currently facing an injury crisis at the worst possible time as Donny van de Beek, Andre Gomes, Ben Godfrey, Andros Townsend, Nathan Patterson and Tom Davies are still unavailable for selection but Yerry Mina and Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be back in the squad. Fabian Delph could be selected ahead of Allan in midfield after the latter’s unconvincing performance over Liverpool.
For Chelsea, Ben Chilwell, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mateo Kovacic remain out due to injury while Ross Barkley and Andreas Christensen were absent from the match against Manchester United. Romelu Lukaku might have to settle for a role on the bench once again while Christian Pulisic may be selected over Timo Werner. Despite results being of utmost importance for Everton, Chelsea should manage a narrow victory over the Toffees and consolidate their position in the Champions League for next season.
The London Stadium will feature an exciting derby on Sunday between West Ham United and Arsenal. The hosts recently lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of the Europa League while Arsenal defeated Manchester United 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium. In team news for West Ham, Craig Dawson is currently suspended while Angelo Ogbonna is a long-term absentee due to injury and Issa Diop is unavailable for selection due to an ankle injury. Ben Johnson could partner Kurt Zouma while Vladimir Coufal will play at right back.
As for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka should be fit and available for selection which means only Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey are unavailable. Takehiro Tomiyasu did come on as a substitute against Manchester United but is unlikely to start the match while Mohamed Elneny is expected to partner Granit Xhaka. Manager Mikel Arteta could also select Gabriel Martinelli up front to use the Brazilian’s pace against a vulnerable West Ham defence. Despite little to separate the two teams, Arsenal are expected to secure the three points and cement their place in the top 4.
Also read: Premier League: Newcastle to face Liverpool while City visit Leeds
