Under pressure Chelsea take on Everton as dissent builds at Stamford Bridge
They take on Everton in what will be Maresca's 50th game in charge.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was adamant that he has made progress at the club despite growing dissent around the club over their season, which some believe has been under par.
The Blues are currently sixth in the Premier League and sit right outside the Champions League spots for the 2025 season.
They take on Everton in what will be Maresca's 50th game in charge, even though he will be on the sidelines as he serves a one-match touchline ban.
Maresca made a fine start to life in the Chelsea dugout – a six-month spell that had even the most pessimistic fan drooling about a potential title challenge.
But a woeful second half of the season has left Chelsea battling for a top-five finish.
This weekend, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A six-pointer in every sense, but more so for Chelsea, who can’t afford to drop any more points in a tightly contested race.
Chelsea are one of five teams vying for a top-five finish.
At the moment, the Blues are on the back foot. Manchester City pushed up to third with a 2-1 win against Aston Villa.
The Blues are now four points behind City, three behind Nottingham Forest, and two adrift of Newcastle United heading into this weekend’s round of games.
Only goal difference separates them from Villa, but they could create some breathing space with a win against Everton.
This weekend could make or break Chelsea’s Champions League hopes, and possibly Maresca’s future.
However, the Italian remains adamant that the club has made significant strides this season, regardless of where they finish.
"It’s already an improvement because we spent all season there," he said.
"Now, we want to try our best to finish there, no doubt. But compared to the last two years, I think it’s quite clear that there is an improvement."
The match will kick off at 2.30 PM Kenyan time.
English Premier League fixtures Saturday
2.30 pm: Chelsea V Everton
5 pm: Wolves V Leicester
5 pm: Newcastle V Ipswich Town
5 pm: Brighton V West Ham
5 pm: Southampton V Fulham