View: Allan returns as one of two changes – Everton predicted XI v Chelsea
Everton are set to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening as they look to break back into the Premier League’s top four.
Chelsea are undefeated since Thomas Tuchel succeeded Frank Lampard as manager in late January, while Everton have won their last three games on the spin.
Having conceded just twice in 10 games under Tuchel, Chelsea will provide a stern test for the Toffees as they continue their push for European qualification.
At Goodison News, we have named our predicted Everton XI to take on Chelsea this evening…
Jordan Pickford has enjoyed a mini-resurgence in recent weeks, turning in a number of impressive performances for the Blues.
The England international deserves to retain his spot, and with Robin Olsen not fit enough to make the bench against West Brom in midweek it is unlikely he’ll be replaced.
Everton’s backline should remain unchanged from the team that took on Albion, mostly due to injuries limiting Carlo Ancelotti’s freedom to make change. Mason Holgate and Lucas Digne will occupy the flanks while Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey will play between the duo.
Ancelotti revealed in his press conference that Tom Davies would once again miss out for Everton due to injury, leaving Allan to come back into the line-up and take the defensive midfield role unopposed.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been an ever-present player for Ancelotti, and he’ll occupy a diamond midfield in front of Allan with Alex Iwobi, whose pace and trickery will be relied on when Everton are in transition.
With James Rodriguez unlikely to feature, Ancelotti could rotate Andre Gomes out and bring in Gylfi Sigurdsson, with the Iceland international having registered two assists in his last two games.
That leaves Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, with the two forwards having both played up front together to some degree of success over the past few games. Richarlison could make it five games in a row if he scores against Chelsea.
Everton have impressed away from home in the Premier League this season, having not lost since early November, winning seven and drawing two of their nine away games in that timeframe.
Both Everton and Chelsea will be acutely aware of the grander repercussions that a win would bring in their respective pursuits of Champions League qualification, making this clash one not to miss.
If Carlo Ancelotti can lead his side to victory over his former employer, fourth place will become Everton’s to lose. Plenty rides on this evening’s game, and it remains to be seen whether the Blues will have the mentality to overcome such a difficult hurdle.
In other Everton news, former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso hails ‘respected’ Everton assistant Davide Ancelotti.