Premier League giants Chelsea are coming into their weekend game against Everton on the back of securing qualification into the knockout stages of the Champions League. Although the Blues had already confirmed their position atop the UCL group last midweek, their 1-1 draw against Krasnodar meant the end of the group stages for Chelsea, with the next round of the competition not until February of next year. The Blues’ league form has been quite commendable over recent weeks too, with their defeat against Liverpool early on in the campaign their only loss of the season so far.
Chelsea’s most recent league outing saw them face off against Marcelo Bielsa’s well-organised Leeds United side, and although they were given a right scare early on, they completed the comeback rather comfortably in the second half. Goals from Olivier Giroud, Kurt Zouma and Christian Pulisic were the difference between the two sides, but this match against the Toffees could be a more complicated challenge. While taking on Everton was never going to be a walk in the park, the fact that former Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti is in charge at Merseyside means that this will be a harder challenge than usual.
Team News
Chelsea, over the last few weeks, were seemingly gradually coming back to full fitness as a squad. However, a couple of recent knocks have put a spanner in the works at Stamford Bridge. Exciting wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech have both been ruled out of contention, with the duo likely to return at a later point in the month. Lampard also provided an update on Christian Pulisic, who apparently felt a slight niggle on his leg at the end of the Leeds game. Despite this, the American has been cleared fit for this clash against Everton.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Everton:
Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Everton
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga was handed a rare start by Lampard in between the sticks in midweek, as he conceded a goal in the first half to give Krasnodar hope. It’s unlikely that Lampard will take such a risk this time though, with Senegalese international Edouard Mendy likely to return to the eleven. In front of him, the centre-half duo of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva should return, as they were both rested in midweek as well. English speedsters Reece James and Ben Chilwell are also expected to make their way back into the two full-back slots.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante’s involvement in the midweek encounter in the Champions League was limited to a short substitute appearance in the second half, which means that the World Cup winner is sure to make his way back into the team for the clash against the Toffees. Mason Mount has been one of the Blues’ star performers since the start of the current campaign, both offensively as well as defensively. Expect the Englishman to keep his place as one of the two advanced midfielders, with Croatian international Mateo Kovacic likely to start alongside him.
Attack
Although Lampard has clarified that Christian Pulisic is ready to make his way into the team, it’s unlikely that he will be risked, especially considering that the Blues play again on Tuesday night. The American is hence likely to be rested for that midweek meeting against Wolves, with Timo Werner taking up his usual role on the left flank for this tie. French international striker Olivier Giroud is the man of the moment around Stamford Bridge right now, which means that he’s an assured starter. Kai Havertz is expected to keep his place operating as the makeshift right-winger for the match against Everton as well.
