Chelsea host Everton in the weekend’s early kick-off in the Premier League today, with Enzo Maresca’s side in desperate need of three points as they hunt Champions League qualification.
The Blues sit in sixth coming into the weekend, two points behind Newcastle, who are currently occupying the last Champions League spot with five matches to go.
And Chelsea have perhaps the most difficult remaining fixtures out of the five sides aiming for the last three places in the top five, so it could be vital to pick up three points here ahead of matches against Liverpool, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Everton have little to play for after David Moyes steered them clear of relegation since taking over in January, though they’ll aim to spoil the party at Stamford Bridge as they look to end the season on a high.
Follow all the latest team news, build-up and updates from Stamford Bridge below:
HT Chelsea 1-0 Everton
As things stand, Chelsea are moving up to fourth in the Premier League table.
They have a difficult run in, probably the most difficult of any of the Champions League challengers, and today’s match is a must-win.
Another goal for the Blues will probably be enough for them to win the game today.
HT Chelsea 1-0 Everton
Chelsea have had five shots with three of them on target in the first half.
In contrast, Everton have only mustered one attempted and Doucoure sent it wide.
Not the most thrilling match so far.
HT Chelsea 1-0 Everton
Half-time! Chelsea 1-0 Everton
45+4 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half.
Chelsea had things mostly their way but there were a couple of signs that they might be a way back into the game for Everton.
We’ll have to see how the second half plays out.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
45 mins: Abdoulaye Doucoure has his head in his hands after missing a great chance.
Harrison whips the ball out to the left wing where Mykolenko collects the ball.
He hangs it up into the box and Doucoure arrives perfectly on time to nod his header wide of the target!
He know he can do better. Four minutes of added time to play.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
42 mins: Sanchez and Mykolenko are both on their feet and give each other a little cuddle.
There was no malice in the challenge from either man and that’s acknowledged here. A nice display of sportsmanship.
Sanchez boots the ball up the pitch and gets the match going once more.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
39 mins: Oh.
Mykolenko and Robert Sanchez come together in the Chelsea box.
Both men collide heavily with the Everton defender completely taken out trying to catch the ball.
Sanchez seems to have had the wind taken out of him and the physios from both teams are on to check over the players.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
36 mins: Other than the goal there hasn’t been much to shout about from Stamford Bridge.
Nevermind!
Palmer floats a nice pass into the box and finds Noni Madueke.
The Chelsea attacker whips a header at goal and clashes heads with Nathan Patterson.
The ball loops into the hands of Jordan Pickford and Madueke seems fine to play on.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
33 mins: A cross from the left is easily cleared by Chalobah who is having a fine outing for Chelsea so far.
It’s a sign of more urgency from Everton though which is a good thing for the neutrals.
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
30 mins: Can Everton respond to that goal?
They’ve been defending for most of the first half and have had few chances of their own.
Chelsea have been the dominant force and that goal will settle down the nerves in this must-win clash for Enzo Maresca’s men.
Source: independent.co.uk
