How Chelsea could line up against Everton

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will ponder changes to his first XI for Thursday's Premier League encounter with Everton at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues continue to make do without Mateo Kovacic and Ben Chilwell, while Trevoh Chalobah and N'Golo Kante remain uncertain.

Even if Chalobah and Kante are passed fit, it would be a surprise to see either man feature from the first whistle, with Tuchel utilising his squad depth to navigate an unrelenting period.

Thiago Silva is one player whom Tuchel will be careful over given his advancing years, so Andreas Christensen could earn a start at the back for the visit of the Toffees.

With neither Ross Barkley nor Saul Niguez doing enough to impress Tuchel this season, Ruben Loftus-Cheek may continue in the engine room alongside Jorginho.

Mason Mount will not want to be dropped in the final third, while Christian Pulisic will hope to fend off competition from Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi for a place in the side.

Up top, Romelu Lukaku has had a hard time forcing his way back into the XI but will expect to spearhead the attack against his former club in midweek.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen; James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Lukaku