Why Thierno Barry has big boots to fill for Everton vs Chelsea
Thierno Barry has a point to prove as Everton prepare to face Chelsea.
Xabi Alonso is ready to face the Toffees at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the very first time.
The Spaniard has faced a largely positive start at Stamford Bridge, and will be keen to keep that going.
The same can be said of David Moyes as his side remain undefeated in the Premier League.
He will be looking back to last season for inspiration as his side prepare to play host to the Blues.
Everton will be looking to Barry for inspiration, but will he live upto the performance level needed?
Why Beto is perfect blueprint vs Chelsea
The Merseyside outfit have a positive recent home record against the two-time Champions League winners.
They have gone three without defeat stretching back to December 2023.
The most recent came in March as Moyes' men secured a 3-0 win at Hill Dickinson.
It was a superb performance from everyone involved, but Beto was arguably Man of the Match.
The striker scored two and grabbed an assist, while taking the most shots on the pitch with three and the most touches in the opposition box with six.
He attempted two dribbles, contributed two defensive actions and won five duels on the day.
That all inspired the Toffees to a 3-0 win, but there will be questions of whether Barry can follow suit.
Can Thierno Barry replicate Beto at Everton?
There have certainly been some positive flashes from the Frenchman this campaign.
That isn't to say he's been particularly consistent, but he is improving.
He proved that against Hull City as he did score, but it did take him five shots to do so.
Barry missed four big chances and was caught offside twice as his performance left the away end frustrated.
You can take the goal as a plus, but if he had taken his chances Everton would have likely secured a win at the MKM Stadium.
He needs to do that against Chelsea, even if chances are likely to be just as free-flowing.
This will be the true test to see if he can fill the boots of Beto.