Frank Lampard will ask Everton to match the commitment levels shown in last May's frantic home win over Chelsea when Thomas Tuchel's men return to Merseyside to open their Premier League campaign. 

The Toffees secured three points to boost their survival bid when Richarlison capitalised on a Cesar Azpilicueta error for the only goal of the game — but the Brazilian has since joined Tottenham. 

Tuchel's Blues have been playing catch-up this summer after Todd Boehly's takeover from Roman Abramovich released the club from their financial sanctions. 

His options, which are already plentiful, are only going to increase in the remainder of the summer transfer window as the new regime aims to close the gap to the Premier League's leading duo. 

Team news

Team news The German supremo has a fully-fit squad to choose from, although he did suggest Chelsea would take a cautious approach with Ben Chilwell's comeback from long-term injury. 

Marc Cucurella could be in line for a debut after a race to register the ex-Brighton wing-back in time to play this weekend. 

Fellow summer recruits Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly are expected to make their official bows with the ex-Manchester City star in three-pronged attack featuring Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

Everton picked up two Premier League-ready starters in James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil from relegated Burnley, but lost last season's 10-goal top scorer Richarlison. 

Midfield reinforcements are on their way in the form of Lille's Amadou Onana and ex-Toffees tackling machine Idrissa Gueye, but not in time for this match. 

Lampard has revealed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss out too after picking up an injury in training. 

The stats

Everton's 1-0 win over Chelsea last May ended the Blues' run of 14 games unbeaten away from Stamford Bridge. 

A tally of 12 road wins and four draws meant Tuchel's men accrued just three fewer points on their travels than runners-up Liverpool, but poor home form kept them from making into a three-way title race. 

However, four straight losses in the league at Everton indicate Chelsea tend to lose their way in the tight confines of Goodison Park. 

Each of the last four meetings at either Goodison or Stamford Bridge have produced fewer than three goals and Chelsea have failed to score in four of their last five on the blue half of Merseyside. 

Prediction

Recent history dictates that Everton's potential to upset the odds must be taken seriously and Chelsea know they will need to meet the Toffees' challenge head on. 

Tuchel's respect for Lampard's Everton might also mean the German views a draw as an acceptable result.

Chelsea have shown vulnerability in their pre-season games with a lack of rhythm evident against MLS expansion franchise Charlotte FC before a complete collapse occurred in the 4-0 hammering by Arsenal. 

Yet the visitors' impressive overall away record last season suggests they can escape without too much damage being done to their long-term ambitions in a tactical stalemate.