Chelsea head to Merseyside on Saturday lunchtime looking to build on their biggest Premier League victory of the season.

Xabi Alonso’s side thrashed Bournemouth 5-1 last weekend, offering a reminder of just how dangerous their attack can be.

Unfortunately, defending remains something of an optional extra.

Chelsea have scored 15 league goals but conceded 13 in six matches. It’s entertaining for everyone except Alonso.

Everton, meanwhile, are unbeaten.

David Moyes’ side have taken 10 points from six matches and sit above Chelsea on goal difference.

The Toffees drew 2-2 at Hull last weekend, having failed to protect a second-half lead.

They’ve also made life difficult for Chelsea on Merseyside in recent seasons.

With both clubs level on points, Saturday’s early kick-off looks a lot more competitive than the names alone might suggest.

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Both teams to score

Chelsea have been one of the Premier League’s most entertaining sides this season.

Unfortunately for their supporters, that’s not always a compliment.

The Blues have scored 15 goals in six league games, making them one of the division’s most productive attacking teams.

However, they’ve also conceded 13.

For all their quality going forward, Chelsea continue to leave opponents opportunities at the other end.

Last weekend’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth showed exactly what their attack can produce when everything clicks.

Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and João Pedro give Alonso several ways to hurt opponents.

But Everton should fancy their chances of scoring too.

Moyes’ side have made an unbeaten start to the campaign, collecting two wins and four draws.

They scored twice against Hull last weekend, although their failure to hold on for victory will have frustrated the Everton manager.

The Toffees also have home advantage.

Chelsea have struggled on their recent visits to Everton, and the hosts should approach this match with confidence.

Neither defence looks completely convincing, while both attacks have enough quality to find a goal.

Rather than trying to pick a winner, I’m backing both sides to score.

Over 2.5 total goals

Chelsea’s matches have hardly been short of entertainment.

Six Premier League fixtures have produced 28 goals at both ends.

That’s an average of more than four goals per match.

Of course, averages don’t guarantee anything on Saturday.

However, they do highlight how open Chelsea’s games have been under Alonso.

The Blues have already scored five against Bournemouth, but their defensive record remains a concern.

Everton aren’t quite as adventurous.

Moyes has generally built his teams around organisation and defensive discipline.

Nevertheless, their 2-2 draw against Hull demonstrated that they can become involved in open matches.

Saturday’s fixture could follow a similar pattern.

Chelsea will want to control possession and create chances through Palmer and Rogers.

That could leave space for Everton to exploit when they regain the ball.

Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall provide creativity, while Thierno Barry offers a focal point in attack.

If Chelsea score early, Everton will have to respond.

Equally, an Everton opener could force the visitors to commit more players forward.

There is enough attacking talent on both sides to make three goals a realistic possibility.

Cole Palmer to score anytime

Cole Palmer has enjoyed playing against Everton before.

Chelsea supporters certainly won’t have forgotten his four-goal performance against the Toffees in April 2024.

Of course, Saturday’s match is a different challenge.

Everton are unbeaten this season, and Chelsea’s recent away record against them is poor.

However, Palmer remains one of the visitors’ biggest attacking threats.

He has scored four goals in eight appearances across all competitions this season.

The England international is capable of creating chances, finding space around the penalty area and finishing opportunities himself.

Chelsea’s attacking options should also help him.

João Pedro can occupy defenders, while Morgan Rogers offers movement and creativity from wide areas.

That could provide Palmer with opportunities to attack dangerous positions.

Everton will know how important he is.

However, keeping him quiet for an entire match is easier said than done.

Chelsea scored five goals against Bournemouth last weekend, and their attacking confidence should be high.

Palmer doesn’t need Chelsea to win for this selection to land.

He just needs one opportunity.

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Where can I watch Everton vs Chelsea?

Everton vs Chelsea kicks off at 12:30pm BST on Saturday, October 17, at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

United Kingdom: The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Supporters can also stream the game through HBO Max.

United States: The match will be broadcast on USA Network, with kick-off at 7:30am ET.

Canada: Premier League coverage is available through Fubo Canada. Kick-off is at 7:30am ET.

What is Everton’s predicted team?

Formation (4-2-3-1):

Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Tarkowski, Keane, Branthwaite; Garner, Armstrong; Brennan Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.

Injured: No confirmed long-term absentees from the latest pre-match reports.

Doubts: Vitalii Mykolenko, Merlin Röhl, Christian Nørgaard.

Suspended: None confirmed.

David Moyes faces a decision at left-back.

Vitalii Mykolenko missed the draw against Hull after picking up a problem on international duty.

The Ukrainian remains doubtful, potentially forcing Moyes to use Jarrad Branthwaite on the left.

Meanwhile, Merlin Röhl could return after his recent injury.

Christian Nørgaard has also taken another step towards full fitness, although Saturday may arrive too soon for a starting appearance.

Jordan Pickford should continue in goal.

Further forward, Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will be important to Everton’s attacking plans.

Thierno Barry is expected to lead the line.

Moyes may favour a cautious approach, particularly given Chelsea’s attacking quality.

However, Everton should still look to exploit the visitors’ defensive weaknesses.

What is Chelsea’s predicted team?

Formation (4-2-3-1):

Martínez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Chavarría; Caicedo, Henderson; Palmer, Rogers, Neto; João Pedro.

Injured: Jamie Gittens, Emmanuel Emegha.

Doubts: Reece James, João Pedro.

Suspended: None confirmed.

Chelsea captain Reece James remains a doubt after missing last weekend’s victory over Bournemouth.

The defender also missed training earlier in the week.

His absence could force Alonso to make another adjustment to his defence.

However, Moisés Caicedo is available again after recovering from a calf problem.

The Ecuadorian’s return should provide greater protection in midfield.

Jamie Gittens is unavailable with an ankle injury, while Emmanuel Emegha is also expected to miss out.

João Pedro has been managing a knee problem, making his fitness worth monitoring before kick-off.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers should provide much of Chelsea’s attacking threat.

Alonso has several options going forward, but finding the right defensive balance remains his biggest challenge.

Everton vs Chelsea prediction

Everton have made an impressive unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

Moyes’ side have been difficult to beat, although four draws from six matches suggest they haven’t always done enough to turn good performances into victories.

Chelsea have been far more unpredictable.

The Blues possess one of the league’s most dangerous attacks, but their defensive record leaves plenty to be desired.

Saturday could provide another example of both qualities.

Everton have a strong recent home record against Chelsea and should create opportunities.

However, the visitors arrive following a 5-1 victory and have enough attacking talent to trouble any defence.

I expect both sides to score.

Chelsea may enjoy more possession, but Everton should make this a difficult afternoon.

With neither team particularly convincing defensively, a draw looks a reasonable outcome.

Score prediction: Everton 2-2 Chelsea

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