Two of the Premier League's most in-form sides meet at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, as Everton host Chelsea in what promises to be a compelling Matchweek 7 contest. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30pm BST.

Early-season stakes

Both Everton and Chelsea enter the fixture level on 10 points from their opening six matches — separated only by goal difference. Everton sit fifth and Chelsea sixth, with both clubs nursing genuine ambitions of securing European football this season.

David Moyes' side have yet to lose in the Premier League this term, though they were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City in their most recent outing. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry scored in that game, and Barry has now found the net in back-to-back league appearances — a run he will be keen to extend against Chelsea's leaky defence.

Everton will also draw confidence from their recent head-to-head record. Chelsea have won just one of their last nine Premier League away fixtures against the Toffees, and Everton beat them 3-0 in their first meeting at Hill Dickinson Stadium back in March.

Chelsea arrive in form but fragile

Xabi Alonso's Chelsea head to Merseyside on the back of a commanding 5-1 victory over Bournemouth. João Pedro and Jordan Henderson each scored twice, while Morgan Rogers also got on the scoresheet. Cole Palmer chipped in with two assists, and the return of Moisés Caicedo brought much-needed steel to a midfield that has shown vulnerabilities this season.

Yet defensive frailty continues to haunt the visitors. Chelsea have conceded in each of their last 22 Premier League matches — a streak that gives Everton clear encouragement heading into this contest. Reece James is sidelined following minor knee surgery, and Jamie Gittens is also expected to be absent.

For Everton, Vitalii Mykolenko could return to contention, though his fitness will need to be confirmed closer to kick-off.

Prediction

Chelsea's attacking quality — spearheaded by Palmer and a rejuvenated strike force — may ultimately prove too much for a resolute Everton backline. FourFourTwo predict Everton 1-2 Chelsea, with the visitors edging a narrow but entertaining lunchtime affair.