Chelsea host Everton as they bid to extend their lead at the top of the table with another victory. The league leaders, who are 7 points clear of Manchester City beat Everton 3-6 in a thrilling encounter early in the season at Goodison Park. Everton have been struggling in the league and are failing to live up the standards they set last season. Though, on their day, they can be a very exciting and tough side to match. It is expected to be a well fought contest, though Chelsea enter as clear favourites. Here is the predicted line-up for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Courtois has been the first choice this season and there is no reason why Mourinho would want to bench him. In the last game against Aston Villa, he had some issues with catching the crosses, especially in the first half. We saw that happen against Man City as well when Chelsea conceded a goal. He would be desperate to redeem himself against his Belgian national teammate Romelu Lukaku.
Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic
He has been in a decent goal scoring form off late as he scored the winner in Chelsea’s visit to Aston Villa. His solidity and consistency would be key against Leighton Baines who is a key attacker on the left flank for Everton.
Center Back: Gary Cahill
Cahill returned to the starting line-up against Aston Villa and is likely to retain his spot. He would be expected to face Romelu Lukaku, who is not so known for his quick feet and dribbling but more for his powerful presence and shooting-suits well for Cahill who is a top defender against target men.
Center Back: John Terry
Terry has been the leader at the back and has maintained his consistency ever since he got back into the lineup under Mourinho. He lacks speed, which has been his only weakness since he aged on, but he makes up for that with his focus and awareness.
Left Back: Cesar Azpilicueta
Filipe Luis is not fully fit as yet, and Azpilicueta would be the only other senior fullback apart from Ivanovic. The Spaniard works very hard and is a quality one on one defender. He would relish the battle against Seamus Coleman who is very offensive minded.
Central Defensive Midfield: Nemanja Matic
Chelsea’s midfield rock is definitely going to start the game. He has been a mighty presence for Chelsea’s back four, especially Terry who lacks the speed. Matic covers the whole arc in front of the back four effectively breaking up play and retaining possession. He has also been a great passer of the ball because of his skill and composure.
Central Midfield: Cesc Fabregas
The Spanish playmaker is expected to return from the injury he picked up against Liverpool in the Capital One cup and start the game against Everton. He is the one, who runs the game for Chelsea and gives them the distinctive offensive flair that they missed in the games Cesc was injured. He controls the tempo of the game for Chelsea and offers more creativity than Ramires.
Right Midfield: Willian
Willian is the favourite to start at Right Midfield because of his extreme work rate. He is in a competition for the starting spot with Juan Cuadrado, who has a similar style of play, but the Brazilian is likely to maintain his starting position to deal with Leighton Baines bombing forward. Willian has also been in good touch in the past few games.
Central Attacking Midfield: Oscar
Oscar has been in good form when Chelsea are in an offensive mood. At Stamford Bridge against a struggling Everton, Oscar would be expected to deliver in full swing. He was good against Aston Villa, but struggled against Man City when Chelsea were very defensive.
Left Midfield: Eden Hazard
Chelsea’s maestro Eden Hazard is going to start on the left flank and has maintained a strong form this season. He would be expected to torment Everton’s Right flank with his trickery and dribbling especially when Coleman is not around to defend.
Striker: Loic Remy
Drogba did not do much against Aston Villa to vouch for a starting spot in this fixture. Anyway, Remy offers more pace and movement, which would be helpful against Everton which commit men forward and like to hold a higher line. Drogba’s target-man style would not be that useful against Roberto Martinez’s men.
