Chelsea will host Everton on Saturday at Stamford Bridge in the 11th game week of the Premier League. The Blues are just one point behind the top three of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool and look serious contenders for the title this time around and the plaudits should go to Antonio Conte.
Chelsea have bounced back from their humiliating 3-0 loss at the hands of rivals Arsenal really well and have won all four Premier League games conceding zero goals in the process.
On the other hand, Everton’s form has dipped after a brilliant start to the Ronald Koeman era at Goodison Park. They did win their last game but had a five-game winless streak before that. Koeman’s side looked much improved against West Ham last week as they won 2-0 but Chelsea will be a much bigger challenge for the Toffees.
Here are three key battles those could decide the game.
Ashley Williams Vs Diego Costa
Diego Costa is in the form of his life this season. The Spanish international looked off-colour throughout the last season as Chelsea struggled in the Premier League but Antonio Conte has managed to resurrect the form of the 28-year-old.
Costa has found the back of the net eight times this season from 10 Premier League games and is leading the race for the Golden Boot. Everton must ensure that they keep him silent if they hope to salvage anything from the game.
Ashley Williams will have a major task on his hands to keep the Spaniard in check. It is unclear who will play alongside the Welshman between Funes Mori and Jagielka but whoever plays, it will be Williams who will be the man who needs to stop Costa with his experience and reading of the game.
N’Golo Kanté Vs Gareth Barry
Kanté has been brilliant for Chelsea this season in the middle of the park. In Conte’s 3-4-3 system, Kanté plays more of a box to box role rather than in defensive midfield.
The Frenchman dominating in midfield is one of the key reasons why Chelsea are doing so well lately. Barry, on the other hand, is having a pretty good season under Koeman even at the dusk of his career.
But his job will be doubled against Chelsea with Idrissa Gueye missing through suspension after picking up 5 yellow cards. Kanté against Barry will be a battle to watch out for on Saturday.
Romelu Lukaku Vs David Luiz
Lukaku has been in golden touch this season in front of the goal. With seven goals to his name, the Belgian is just one behind Costa in the race for Premier League Golden Boot.
The 23-year old will be looking to haunt his former employers but will face a tough battle against David Luiz who seems like a decent defender after Conte’s change in tactics.
The Brazilian is enjoying his game at Chelsea since Conte switched to a back three and his fearless attitude coupled with the excellence in the air will make it hard for Lukaku to make his mark in the game.
