View: Stopping Chelsea’s wing play could blunt their attacking options
Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Leeds United last Saturday sent a clear warning to Everton – they need to stop the Blues in wide areas.
Two of Chelsea’s three goals came from crosses on the right flank, while Kurt Zouma scored a towering header from a Mason Mount corner.
Both Chelsea’s aerial ability and their constant threat from wide areas has been a useful weapon for Frank Lampard’s side of late.
As per WhoScored, 11 of the 25 goals Chelsea have scored this season have come directly from a cross or dead ball situation.
Former Everton loanee Zouma is currently level with Timo Werner as the club’s top goalscorer in the Premier League, which speaks volumes about the threat they pose.
Everton’s mission becomes somewhat easier with the news that Hakim Ziyech will be missing for the game at Goodison Park.
The Morrocan has linked up brilliantly with Reece James on the right for Chelsea, with the pair recording five assists between them.
As per Wyscout, the Blues are averaging nearly 15 crosses per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, something that Ancelotti will no doubt be aware of.
The Italian has some decisions to make as he prepares to go up against his former employers.
Everton have started their last three Premier League games in a back three, but the club’s problems at left-back could tempt Ancelotti to move back to a four.
Fabian Delph struggled as a wing-back against Burnley and was forced off injured in the first half. Young Niels Nkounkou appears to be the most natural option, should Ancelotti revert to 4-3-3.
Chelsea have a wealth of different attacking options and have boasted 13 different goalscorers in the Premier League this season – but if Ancelotti can limit their options out wide then his side could go some way to frustrating the Blues.
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