Everton confirmed line-up v Chelsea: Ancelotti makes two changes
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has made two changes to his starting line-up for the clash against Chelsea on Saturday night.
The Merseysiders announced via their official Twitter account prior to kick-off that both Mason Holgate and Gylfi Sigurdsson have returned to the side.
Fabian Delph and James Rodriguez are the two players to miss out after starting against Burnley last week after suffering injuries in the 1-1 draw at Turf Moor.
Can Gylfi produce?
There’s no denying that it’s going to be tougher to beat Chelsea without Rodriguez in the side.
According to stats website WyScout, the Colombia international ranks 12th in the Premier League for deep completions (key passes made from within 20 metres of the goal) per 90 minutes [2.22] and 18th for key passes [0.81].
Sigurdsson hasn’t had as many opportunities as Rodriguez this season with the Icelandic playmaker starting just four Premier League matches before the Chelsea clash, in which he will wear the captain’s armband.
In his 14-minute appearance off the bench at Burnley last week, the 31-year-old only managed to attempt two passes with his influence on the game next to nothing. Also, one of those passes went backwards [WyScout].
It was quite a drab display by the Toffees against Burnley and Sigurdsson’s lack of impact wasn’t really a shock.
But the former Tottenham and Swansea midfielder will need to step it up if Everton want to stand any chance of winning – or drawing – against Chelsea.
We will take a draw based on the recent form of both teams but it would be great if Sigurdsson can lead the team to a memorable win over Frank Lampard’s title-chasers.
In other Everton news, Kevin Campbell has delivered his thoughts on Jordan Pickford’s form at Goodison.