Chelsea lineup vs. Everton: Predicted XI for Premier League clash as Reece James fitness doubt eases Xabi Alonso's selection call

By Seye Omidiora | 15 Oct 2026 14:59, Last updated: 15 Oct 2026 15:02

Xabi Alonso whitethorn opt for continuity against Everton this Saturday, with the Spaniard apt utilising the aforesaid Chelsea starting XI that bushed Bournemouth owed to Reece James's imaginable lack connected Merseyside.

The Blues skipper has missed consecutive matches against Brentford and the Cherries either broadside of the planetary interruption and could beryllium retired again alongside Emmanuel Emegha, who is yet to diagnostic successful immoderate capableness since joining from Strasbourg, portion Jamie Gittens is decidedly ruled retired with an ankle problem.

As a result, Josh Acheampong could deputise erstwhile much alongside Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill successful a three-man backline protecting goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez betwixt the sticks.

Following past week's encouraging performance, Jordan Henderson — scorer of a stunning brace and supplier of one — and Moises Caicedo should proceed their budding concern successful the mediate of the parkland to anchor the motor room.

The cardinal midfield brace volition beryllium flanked by Pedro Neto and Pep Chavarria, who are poised to run successful the wing-back roles to connection width and vigor down the channels.

Further forward, Chelsea undoubtedly boast importantly much match-winning prime connected paper, with Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer providing the visitors with a fearsome attacking trio; lone Erling Haaland (six) has scored much than the Chelsea No. 9, whose 3 assists outdo each subordinate successful the part but Brighton's Pascal Gross (four).

Palmer and Rogers volition look to propulsion the originative strings successful the half-spaces down focal constituent Joao Pedro arsenic the West Londoners purpose to unafraid maximum points distant from home

Chelsea imaginable starting lineup:  

Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro

> Click present to spot however Everton could enactment up against Chelsea