Chelsea vs. Everton: Four things to look for in important battle

4. Will we see bad Jordan Pickford?

One of the fun things about playing Everton in the past few seasons was the exciting unpredictability of Jordan Pickford in goal. He had all the potential for wackiness that Kepa Arrizabalaga had for Chelsea, but it was much more fun when it was happening to another team.  Unfortunately, Pickford has by and large pulled himself together and become a considerably more average goalkeeper. It’s very annoying. In fact, his save percentage is good for sixth-best in the league, right above Edouard Mendy.

That’s a far cry from a year ago when he was the worst keeper in the league not named Arrizabalaga.

However, for all of that improvement, you just know the real Pickford is in there somewhere. The one who froths at the mouth while screaming at teammates to line up a wall, only to then let the ball slip between his legs on a back-pass. Is it too much to ask that the old version of Pickford take the field on Monday? Chelsea did Pickford a favor last year by fielding the only keeper worse than him, it’s only fair that he returns the favor by conceding a howler or two.

In all seriousness, Pickford has become a positive contributor to this Everton side, and there’s no question that its surprising position in the table has something to do with his uptick in form, and vice versa. To call him one of the best keepers in the league would still be a stretch, but he’s not the massive liability he was just last season. Where’s the fun in that? If the Blues are lucky, maybe they can at least get a glimpse of the old Pickford, with a vintage performance full of scuffed clearances, failed punches and excessive profanity.

What are some of the things you’ll be looking for in the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!