Branthwaite starts as Everton and Chelsea keep unchanged XIs

Jarrad Branthwaite starts for Everton against Chelsea despite being listed as doubtful with a thigh injury in the match records. It is the key detail in an otherwise unchanged team selection: both sides have named the same starting XI as in their previous league matches.

Everton line up in a 4-2-3-1. Jordan Pickford starts in goal, behind Ainsley Maitland-Niles, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Branthwaite. James Garner and Harrison Armstrong form the midfield pair, with Brennan Johnson, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish supporting Thierno Barry.

The selection is unchanged from Everton’s previous league match against Hull City. Branthwaite’s inclusion means the defender is in the starting side despite the doubtful listing.

Chelsea also stick with their previous league XI, from the match against Bournemouth. Emiliano Martínez starts in goal in a 3-4-2-1, with Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill in defence. Pedro Neto, Jordan Henderson, Moisés Caicedo and Pep Chavarría make up the midfield, while Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers support João Pedro.

Chelsea are without seven players: Caleb Wiley, who has an adductor injury; Emmanuel Emegha, with a dead leg; Estêvão, with a hamstring injury; Jamie Gittens, with an ankle injury; and Reece James, with a knee injury. Mykhailo Mudryk and Wesley Fofana are also unavailable.

The teams meet at Everton on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off at 12:30 BST. They begin the match level on 10 points after six games, with Everton fifth and Chelsea sixth. Both managers have opted for continuity in their starting selections, while Branthwaite’s presence is the notable team-news point for the hosts.