The Premier League is back this weekend after the international period, and Chelsea head to Merseyside to face Everton in the first game of the weekend.

Team News

Everton

A 0-0 draw against Tottenham before the international break saw Everton move up to 13th in the table. A strong showing from Tim Howard in goal was one of few positives from the performance, but Roberto Martinez's men will be aiming to capitalise on Chelsea's poor start to the season.

Injuries are a-plenty at Goodison Park but the good news is Brendan Galloway and Bryan Oviedo are set to return to the squad after their knee injuries. Tom Cleverley is expected to miss a few weeks after picking up an ankle injury in the draw against Tottenham while Leighton Baines' foot injury is likely to keep him sidelined until November. Tony Hibbert, Darren Gibson and Steven Pienaar are also unavailable for this weekend, as well as a few more weeks.

Projected XI: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Galloway; McCarthy, Barry; Barkley, Deulofeu, Mirallas; Lukaku.

Chelsea

The Blues have started their title defence in shocking fashion and a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at home before the break topped off a dismal four weeks. Despite the poor start, it's widely known that Jose Mourinho's side can turn it around in an instant, making Saturday's match just the more enticing.

To make matters worse for Chelsea, Thibaut Courtois suffered a knee injury according to reports and could miss a lengthy period of time. Asmir Begovic is expected to fill in for the Belgium but there remains good news for the Champions. Oscar is likely to return to the squad after struggling with a muscular problem while Victor Moses, who admitted he suffered a "small injury", could return to the squad very soon.

Projected XI: Begovic; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Baba Rahman; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Pedro, Hazard; Diego Costa.

Background

Last season's meeting at Goodison Park turned out to be a thriller with Chelsea running out 6-3 victors.

Both sides have only managed to win once in their opening four games so far.

John Stones, subject to multiple bids from Chelsea in the summer transfer window, is likely to line up against the club who were desperate to secure his services.

The Stones situation over the summer did not end well between the two clubs, meaning Saturday's match has a little added edge after Chelsea failed with their bids to sign the Everton defender.

Player Focus

Pedro: Chelsea's biggest summer signing made an instant impact in his first two games, scoring once and grabbing an assist. The Spaniard will be heavily involved if Chelsea manage a postitive result on Saturday as he continues to prove his price tag.

Romelu Lukaku: The Belgian would love nothing more than to score against his old club to prove his doubters wrong. Currently enjoying a solid start to the season, Lukaku will be hoping to keep up his good form as he faces a Chelsea defence that is not up to it's usual standard.

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About the author
Harry  Harris
Covering the Premier League, Bundesliga and NFL. Writing for VAVEL since May 2014. Chelsea FC and Atlanta sports.