Chelsea face a buoyant Everton side in this weekend’s Premier League action.
Chelsea got their season back on track at least for the time being after a gritty performance to get the better of Spurs at Wembley. Marcos Alonso scored both the goals for Chelsea in a 2-1 win for the Blues. The returns of Cesc Fabregas and Pedro will also mean that Chelsea have more than 15 senior first team players to select from and the mood at the Bridge could be lifted.
Everton, on the other hand, are yet to be beaten after holding City to a 1-1 draw in their second game of the season at Goodison Park. Rooney has started the season well bagging both of Everton’s goals so far.
Here are the key battles that could decide whether Conte can outsmart Koeman and keep the title defence on track:
N’Golo Kante vs Gylfi Sigurdsson
Sigurdsson scored an absolute screamer in Everton’s 1-1 draw in the Europa League against Hajduk Split. With Schneiderlin out suspended, Klaasen out with injury and Gueye doubtful, The Icelandic midfielder will have a huge task on his hands against the Blues. On the opposite end is the ever improving N’Golo Kante who will be tasked with stopping Sigurdsson from dominating the midfield. The winner of this battle could very well be on the winning side at Stamford Bridge.
Cesar Azpilicueta vs Wayne Rooney
Azpilicueta put up a stellar showing against Tottenham. He did not put a single foot wrong and is leading by example in the absence of club captain Gary Cahill. He will be wary of Wayne Rooney as he prepares for Everton’s visit. Rooney’s return to his boyhood club has been something of a fairy tale and so far he has enjoyed playing under Koeman, scoring twice in two games. Rooney will be hoping to put one over the club that he so often could not get the better off while donning the red colours of Manchester United.
Alvaro Morata vs Micheal Keane
Morata will be disappointed after his glaring miss against Spurs. The Spaniard, however, is an extremely determined kid and will be more than eager to make amends as soon as possible. With Fabregas and Pedro returning, one can only expect him to receive more chances to cause damage. Young defender Michael Keane put up an exemplary showing against Manchester City. The Englishman who joined from Burnley this summer will be looking to back it up by stopping Alvaro Morata from finding his second goal in England.
