Chelsea predicted lineup vs Everton - Premier League
- Conor Gallagher available for trip to Everton after serving suspension
- Reece James expected to come in at right-back in a more settled back four
- Mykhailo Mudryk could drop out of the starting XI
By Euan Burns
Chelsea cannot seem to build a run of form manager Mauricio Pochettino needs to climb up the Premier League table and start mixing it for Champions League places, with their latest attempt coming at Goodison Park against Everton.
The Blues slugged it out to beat Brighton last weekend after Conor Gallagher's red card but then underwhelmed in defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Things don't get much easier on Sunday as they travel to take on an Everton side that impressively beat Newcastle 3-0 on Thursday.
For the first time in a while, Pochettino should be able to field a conventional back four with players in the correct positions and also has Gallagher returning from suspension, so an improved performance is expected.
Here is the team Pochettino may choose when Chelsea take on Everton this weekend.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sanchez - He saved an early penalty at Old Trafford but the shots just kept coming and a clean sheet never looked likely. Sanchez will want to see a stronger defence and midfield in front of him this weekend.
RB: Reece James - After coming off the bench against Man Utd, expect James to take up his usual right-back role at Goodison Park as part of a defensive reshuffle.
CB: Thiago Silva - The most consistent part of this Chelsea defence so far this season, Pochettino will continue to rely on the Brazilian veteran.
CB: Levi Colwill - Colwill has been forced into wider positions in recent weeks due to injuries and suspensions and will be happy to be back in the centre alongside Silva.
LB: Marc Cucurella - Having played at right-back against Man Utd, James' return to the starting XI should mean Cucurella heads back to the left flank.
CM: Moises Caicedo - Provided some impressive moments in midfield against Man Utd but Caicedo will need to be stronger on Sunday if Chelsea are to get all three points.
CM: Enzo Fernandez - Fans want to see more goals from Fernandez and he delivered with two against Brighton last weekend. A regular so far under Pochettino.
RW: Cole Palmer - With Gallagher set to return, Palmer will likely move out to the right. He is just as effective there, as he showed with his goal against Man Utd.
AM: Conor Gallagher - Pochettino is a big fan of Gallagher and he is expected to come straight back into the starting lineup after serving his suspension following the red card against Brighton.
LW: Raheem Sterling - With Gallagher's return and Palmer heading to the right, Sterling should be back on the left wing. That would see Mykhailo Mudryk drop to the bench despite grabbing an assist at Old Trafford.
ST: Nicolas Jackson - Missed a superb chance against Man Utd and failed to make any real impact, but Pochettino is sticking with him.
READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed