Everton will host Chelsea on Saturday in the Premier League, and it promises to be an enthralling encounter between the two sides.
After a bright start to the league, Everton have lost four out of their last five games and will want to bounce back against a good side like Chelsea.
Frank Lampard’s side, meanwhile, are just two points off the top of the table, and will want to continue their winning run at Goodison Park.
Everton managed to beat Chelsea at Goodison Park last season and it was a spirited display as they won 3-1 courtesy of a brace by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and a Richarlison strike. Both those players are in good form this time too, and will hope to get on the score-sheet once again.
Everton Team News
The full-backs were crucial for Everton before their respective injuries, and their absence will be a big blow against Chelsea. Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne will need replacing in the Everton lineup. Fabian Delph is a doubt as well, and may not feature. Summer signing James Rodriguez has not trained this week, and will miss out.
We could see Ancelotti go with the three at the back formation once again, as he did against Burnley.
Predicted Everton Lineup vs Chelsea
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford has been inconsistent this season, but he continues to be Ancelotti’s first-choice goalkeeper. He is likely to retain his place in the Everton lineup.
Defence
Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey are likely to form the three-man defence for the Toffees. Everton have not kept a clean-sheet since the opening day victory against Tottenham, and will have to put in a solid display to stop Chelsea’s in-form attackers.
Midfield
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan are likely to start in central midfield, and will have a big task of shielding the back three. Their work-rate on the transitions could decide the game as Chelsea have the pace to trouble any team in the world. Tom Davies and Alex Iwobi might play as the two wide players with the full-backs unavailable.
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Davies and Iwobi will have key roles to play in the Everton lineup as they will not only have to deal with the threat of the quick Chelsea wingers, but also provide the attacking impetus from the wide areas.
Attack
James Rodriguez and Richarlison are likely to play alongside Calvert-Lewin in the Everton attack. If Davies and Iwobi can do a good enough job to provide service from the wings, Richarlison and Rodriguez can play as the inside forwards and test the Chelsea backline come Saturday.
Predicted Everton Lineup vs Chelsea
