Predicted Everton Line-up To Face Chelsea In The Premier League
Sam Allardyce has seriously worked wonders on the squad at Everton, as the Toffees have managed to push up to 9th spot in the points table, after a mediocre start to their league campaign. They have now won 5 of their last 6 games, with the last one coming against Swansea City on Monday. However, their run could be in serious trouble this weekend, as they welcome Chelsea, the reigning English champions.
Standing at 3rd place, the Blues have been in decent form this season and are fresh from a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup. However, Allardyce has made his side tough to beat and at home, they are expected to give Chelsea a run for their money.
Team News
Leighton Baines, Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman, Roberto Funes Mori and James McCarthy are all ruled out for this game. Yannick Bolaise is close to training but this game is too soon for him as he remains the only other injury concern for Everton, ahead of this clash. Allardyce has used a 4-man backline regularly and he might use a 4-4-2 system against Conte’s side.
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Sam Allardyce
GK – Jordan Pickford
Had a comfortable outing against the Swans earlier in the week but will surely be tested by a decent Chelsea side.
RB – Jonjoe Kenny
The youngster has been effective at right-back for Allardyce so far but up against the likes of Hazard and Alonso, he could be the weak link at the back for the hosts.
CB – Mason Holgate
Another youngster who has done extremely well in the backline for Everton, Holgate will also have his work cut out against the likes of Morata in this game.
CB – Ashley Williams
Former Swansea man Williams will have to bring the calm at the back with his experience, acting as the senior pro in the backline for Everton.
LB – Cuco Martina
With Baines out injured, Martina should start at left-back. He has been in decent form of late and could have a fruitful time this weekend.
RM – Aaron Lennon
Allardyce has used the English winger regularly this season and he is expected to retain his place on the right flank.
CM – Idrissa Gueye
One of the most effective midfielders in the league this season, Gueye will have a tough time against the likes of Kante and Fabregas.
CM – Morgan Schneiderlin
Struggling to cement a place in the starting XI, Schneiderlin needs to be at his best, to help his side pick anything from this game.
LM – Gylfi Sigurdsson
Yet to show consistency for the Toffees, Sigurdsson has been effective against Chelsea in previous seasons and could be the danger man for the hosts.
ST – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The youngster put on a confident show during Everton’s trip to Anfield recently and Allardyce will want him to put in a similar performance in this game as well.
ST – Wayne Rooney
Did not have the best of games against Swansea but Rooney remains Everton’s biggest goal threat and he is expected to start as a part of a two-man attack against Chelsea.
Here is how Everton might line up: