Defender Returns As Only Change To Everton XI For Chelsea

James Tarkowski returns from a minor injury to captain Everton for the clash against Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium (5.30pm GMT).

The defender, who missed last weekend's harsh defeat at league leaders Arsenal, is the only change from that clash at the Emirates, partnering Michael Keane in central defence.

Meanwhile, Jarrad Branthwaite – who was also forced out of the Gunners encounter – is fit again to take his place on the substitutes' bench.

Tarkowski's return means Jake O'Brien moving to right-back, with James Garner joining Idrissa Gana Gueye in defensive midfield ahead of Tim Iroegbunam.

Beto continues to lead the Toffees' attack, flanked by Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the No.10 role.

Everton's XI is completed by Vitalii Mykolenko at left-back and Jordan Pickford in goal.

Tyrique George – on loan from Chelsea – misses out on the matchday squad, with the forward ineligible for face his parent club.

Everton XI: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski (c), Keane, Mykolenko, Gana, Garner, McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.

Subs: Travers, Patterson, Barry, Dibling, Coleman, Branthwaite, Röhl, Iroegbunam, Armstrong.