Chelsea predicted XI at Everton: Kovacic included in 4-3-3

Chelsea’s down below full fitness again, but its squad at Goodison Park taking on Everton will still be incredibly strong.

With future European action now safely tucked away for a rainy day, Chelsea turns its attention back to the Premier League as the Blues embark on a journey to Everton this Saturday. The surreal sound of supporters swirled around Stamford Bridge as the Blues drew 1-1 with Krasnodar in their final Champions League tie before the knockout phase gets underway. Those Chelsea voices within the stadium will be replaced with an Evertonian song on the weekend as Frank Lampard and Co. take a trip to Goodison Park to face the gaffer’s old mentor, Carlo Ancelotti.

Here is the predicted XI to take on the Toffees:

Edouard Mendy (No. 13) Goalkeeper, Senegal

This selection becomes simpler by the day for Lampard, with Kepa Arrizabalaga confirming his status as the world’s most expensive ornamental goalkeeper. Despite largely becoming spectator number 2,001 against Krasnodar on Tuesday evening, the Spaniard still conceded to the team ninth in the Russian Premier League and there is not a flicker of uncertainty that Edouard Mendy will return between the sticks for the foreseeable future.

Reece James (No. 24) Right back, England

There a few greater testaments than to replace your club captain as the first choice in any position. Cesar Azpilicueta’s service to Chelsea has been impeccable over the years, with the 31-year-old still able to offer so much regardless of his condensed amount of game time, yet his baton is gradually being passed over to the younger, shinier model that is Reece James. His crossing has been a highlight of an already standout season, one of many attacking avenues Lampard now has in his armory.

Kurt Zouma (No.15) Centreback, France

Another, less expected weapon that the Blues have been able to unleash is Kurt Zouma’s efficiency in either penalty area. Defensively his stats have never been an issue: since the start of 2019/20, no Chelsea player has made more headed clearances (87) or won more aerial duels (141) than the Lyonnais residing in London. What impresses more is his prowess in the opposing box, bagging four goals already thanks to his inflight threat. Not since Joleen Lescott in 2007/08 has a centerhalf scored more than eight in the league; Zouma is already 50 percent of the way there.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centreback, Brazil

If Zouma is the embodiment of aviation, Thiago Silva is the symbol of stability on the ground. This isn’t to detract from his strength up high, merely to emphasis his role as peacemaker on Earth, bringing clarity and clearance to those teammates with their heads in the clouds. Lampard has wisely eased the pressure upon Silva’s mellowing shoulders, rested for the Sevilla and Krasnodar fixtures, ensuring his stand-in skipper is fresh come the weekend excitement.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left back, England

Ben Chilwell has also been given the past two Champions League nights off, sitting snuggly on the substitutes bench as the Blues completed their final two group games. The risk of injury would have far graver consequences for Chelsea’s system were they to lose Chilwell than any other area on the pitch, apart from—of course—in goal. Emerson has strung together a few solid performances as the England internationals’ understudy, virtually closing the door on Marcos Alonso’s future. However, Chilwell is technically and tactically superior, forging a fine relationship with Mason Mount and Timo Werner down the left, having immersed himself into Lampard’s philosophy.