Duncan Ferguson takes charge of Everton for the visit of Chelsea

Everton cult hero Duncan Ferguson takes charge of his first match as interim manager following the sacking of Marco Silva on Thursday.

Silva was finally dismissed after a 5-2 defeat in the Merseyside derby. The blues have endured a torrid season, losing nine of their 15 league matches so far, and are in the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Chelsea got back to winning ways against Aston Villa in midweek after a surprise home defeat to West Ham. The Blues currently sit fourth, six points clear of fifth place Wolves. 

Team news:

Ferguson is faced with several injury problems, with Fabian Delph and Seamus Coleman still unavailable. Yerry Mina is a doubt for the game, leaving his side with only two fit centre-backs in Michael Keane and Mason Holgate.

Tammy Abraham, who scored the opener in that victory, looked to still be suffering from a hip injury, but should be available for the trip to Goodison Park.

Former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is an option once again after a period of illness, but Saturday is too soon for returning defender Antonio Rudiger.

Despite the sides’ contrasting seasons, Everton are unbeaten against Chelsea in three matches, last losing to the London side in the league in August 2017.

Duncan Ferguson admits he will be “proud but nervous” when leading his beloved blues out for the first time:

“I am incredibly proud to manage the Club, I have been here a very long time and it is a big part of my life.

“It will be a great atmosphere on Saturday and we want a high-energy performance from the team. We want Saturday to be a real cauldron, the atmosphere, supporting the team.

“Having the fans with you gives you a lift… an extra yard. Hopefully that is what will happen on Saturday and I am sure it will.

“We will put on a session today with plenty of talking and communication with them [players]and trying to build them up for the game. We know how important it is and we’ll make sure they know as well.”

Frank Lampard has refused to underestimate Everton, despite their poor start to the season:

“First of all any trip to Everton is tough. I went there as a player many a time and the atmosphere of the stadium, the support of the home fans is big,” Lampard told reporters on Friday.

“I’m sure there will be a bounce effect for them, they have one of their heroes in charge for this game, in the short term or whatever.

“So I feel we have to be very much on guard against a team like that. We slightly had it against West Ham last week… dangerous team to play at this moment particularly.”

Head-to-head

Everton wins: 55

Draws: 54

Chelsea wins: 72