Chelsea’s predicted line-up against Everton: Can the Blues pick up from where they left of last week?

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Chelsea have got their season back on track after a dogged performance against Spurs at Wembley which saw them finish as 2-1 winners.

The Blues welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge this weekend. Ronald Koeman’s side have started the season impressively after holding City on to a draw in their second game.

With Cesc Fabregas returning from suspension, Pedro and Tiemoue Bakayoko returning to full fitness, Conte can finally have a selection headache this season.

Here is Chelsea’s predicted line-up against Everton:

Goalkeeper:

Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian goalkeeper had an improved game against Everton after the Burnley debacle. He did well to keep Spurs out for most parts of the game.

 

Defence

Cesar Azpilicueta(RCB)

He will captain the side again in the absence of the suspended Gary Cahill and will be hoping to repeat the stellar performance he put up against Spurs.

David Luiz(CB)

His work rate against Tottenham was second to none and playing him in midfield was a master stroke as he kept Dembele and Wanyama at bay. He will slot back into the back three with Fabregas making a return.

Antonio Rudiger(LCB)

The German might have got a hint or two of the frenetic pace of the Premier League at Wembley. He will start on the left of the back three ahead of the industrious Andreas Christensen by virtue of experience.

 

Midfield:

Victor Moses (RWB)

The Nigerian’s return has given the side more balance. With no available back up for this position currently, he picks himself on the team-sheet but expect that to change before the end of the transfer window and he will have to pick up his performances.

Tiemoue Bakayoko (RCM)

The Frenchman put up a strong showing against Spurs despite not being completely fit and having trained with the team just for 5 days. With a whole week of training session following that fixture, expect the robust midfielder to put up an even more energetic display.

Cesc Fabregas (CM)

The Spaniard returns from suspension and will be playing in a midfield three. He will have the job of creating opportunities from the base of the midfield for his front men.

N’Golo Kante (LCM)

Judging by the current situation of the market, Chelsea must still consider themselves immensely lucky to have signed the diminutive Frenchman for a paltry £35 million. He is ever-improving with his passing and dribbling skills as looks to become the complete package.

Marcos Alonso (LWB)

With all the links surrounding Alex Sandro, the Spaniard has replied back in stunning fashion. Scored twice at Wembley to seal the deal for Chelsea. Even in the defeat against Burnley, he had 5 shots on goal, the most by any Chelsea player. His defensive contributions are always questioned but he more than makes up for it via his attacking attributes.

 

Attack:

Pedro (CF)

Pedro returned from injury as a second half substitute against Spurs and is likely to replace Willian as the Brazilian has failed to impress in his absence. Pedro assisted Alonso’s late goal at Wembley as well.

Alvaro Morata (CF)

After an impressive debut for him against Burnley, he will be disappointed at missing the gilt-edged opportunity early against Spurs. Luckily it did not come back to haunt him and Chelsea. He will be hoping to make amends when Koeman’s Everton visit.

Chelsea are expected to lineup in Conte’s favourite 3-5-2 formation as shown below: