Everton are set to host Chelsea at Goodison Park for their Premier League fixture this weekend.
Chelsea have fallen 14 points behind league leaders, Manchester City with Antonio Conte not willing to give up the title chase just yet. Even if the Citizens win the Premier League trophy by the end of the season, it would be unsettling for the Blues fans to finish out of the top four. Facing heavy competition from Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur a win in this fixture will be crucial for Conte to gain a bit of breathing room.
The Toffees, on the other hand, are coming off a 3-1 win against Swansea City and are already turning their season around from the poor start they endure with Ronald Koeman at the helm.
Sam Allardyce’s effect has been immediate with the club out of the relegation zone and in the 9th spot currently 8 points behind Arsenal in the Europa League spot. Allardyce will employ his best tactics to stop the defending champions from running away with the win in this fixture. He might not tinker with the squad and field the same players in this match.
Here is the Chelsea lineup in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois is the clear choice to start in every Premier League fixture and should get the nod again for this matchup. The Belgian custodian might have a busy day between the sticks if Everton hit the ground running early in the game in their own backyard.
Cesar Azpilicueta is ready to resume his duties in the heart of the defence with Andreas Christensen. Gary Cahill will start beside them to keep the Everton forwards like Calvert-Lewin and Rooney at bay.
Midfield
The French pairing of N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko are set to feature in the defensive midfield position with the responsibility of keeping hold of the ball in the middle of the pitch and delivering delightful passes to initiate attacks.
Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso are to take up the roles of wing-backs on either flank, helping to deliver the ball into the attacking third.
Pedro will be looking to make a good impression while playing as the central attacking midfielder and carve a niche for himself in the starting lineup in the following fixtures as well.
Attack
Willian will be playing off the main striker, with the position set to be taken up by the Belgian superstar Eden Hazard in absence of Alvaro Morata. The duo will be in the hunt to put the ball in the back of the net and end the 4- match winning run at home for the Toffees.
