Premier League champions Chelsea travel to Everton on Saturday afternoon, fully cognizant of the fact that a defeat could wreck their title hopes early in the season.
Jose Mourinho is without the services of Thibaut Courtois, who has been ruled out for three months due to a knee injury. Summer signing Asmir Begovic has been entrusted to fill the void left by the absence of first choice goalkeeper.
Captain John Terry has joined back after serving one-match suspension meaning that Gary Cahill have no option but to sit out while Kurt Zouma continues uninterrupted.
The only other change in the Blues camp sees John Obi Mikel coming into the starting lineup and Willian drop to the bench.
Roberto Martinez has introduced two changes to the side that shared a goalless draw against Tottenham before the international break last time out. Mohamed Besic and Brendan Galloway have replaced injured duo of Tom Cleverley, and Bryan Oviedo in the starting lineups for the hosts.
Winger Aaron Lennon is deployed on the bench, meaning that he seems certain to come on in the second half for a second debut after rejoining Toffees on a permanent deal on transfer deadline day.
Ramiro Funes Mori is the other summer signing poised to make an appearance this afternoon. The Argentine international joined the Toffees from River Plate on transfer deadline day.
Let’s have a look how the two sides have lined up for today’s important fixture.
CHELSEA STARING XI:
Begovic, Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Mikel, Fabregas, Hazard, Pedro, Costa
SUBSTITUTES:
Blackman, Falcao, Kenedy, Remy, Willian, Cahill, Loftus-Cheek
EVERTON STARTING XI:
Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Galloway, Barry, McCarthy, Besic, Barkley, Kone, Lukaku
SUBSTITUTES:
Robles, Mirallas, Lennon, Naismith, Deulofeu, Osman, Funes Mori
