• April 30, 2022
• Tyrone Codner

After the 1-1 draw away at Old Trafford on Thursday, Chelsea fans, Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea players alike will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Everton. Chelsea currently sits third with 66 points and will be hoping to keep their top three advantage as they sit six points clear of Arsenal (60 points) and eight points clear of Tottenham (58 pts). Everton also finds themselves in a battle, though it is more of an uphill battle as they find themselves in 18th facing relegation. They are currently on 29 points, two points behind 17th placed Burnley (31 pts), seven and eight points ahead of Watford and Norwich City respectively. Both teams are currently in dire need of all three points with little certainty of their final standing. The matchup will see Chelsea go up against a familiar face in former Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard, who has found life as Everton manager harder than he bargained for. With the importance of obtaining all three points, what eleven does Tuchel is the best option to get the job done?

Goalkeeper: Only one correct answer between the sticks

Edouard Mendy has been just short of horrific in recent weeks and some would say Kepa Arrizabalaga should be trusted due to his consistent performance whenever called upon, but it’s important to keep stability constant, and it’s safe to say Mendy was unfortunate to concede a goal in the fashion he did against United. It’s been a tough couple of weeks for the Senegalese goalkeeper, but a drop to the bench could do more harm than good. With that in mind, he remains between the sticks should no late injury occur.

Defenders: Azpilicueta remains at right centerback.

After the performance he had against Manchester United, it would be right to say Azpilicueta has more starts at right centerback. Names like Trevoh Chalobah will be thrown into the conversation, however, it is best to reward “Mr. Consistent” — as he’s fondly called by the fans — with a starting place in the backline.

As fans would say, Thiago Silva is Thiago Silva. Each Matchday that goes by Chelsea fans are reminded of the fortune they have received in the form of the 37-year-old Brazilian, his experience alongside Azpilicueta has proven decisive in recent matches, and having him at the center of the defense will be important against his fellow Brazil International Richarlison. This factor should gift Chelsea an advantage in obstructing any form of upsets possible.

Antonio Rudiger highlighted one of the many things that were missed in his absence against Arsenal and West Ham United as he was able to reclaim possession on a regular basis against the Red Devils. His unpredictable positioning allowed him to get into offensive positions. His customary “SHOOT!!” moment always brings smiles to the faces of his teammates, manager, and supporters. He should be up for this game especially because it regards his former manager Lampard who had little faith in him. Rudiger would no doubt want to use this moment to prove that Lampard was mistaken about him.

Midfielders: Midfield pivot remains the same.

Tuchel revealed in his press conference that Kovacic would not make it for the trip to Goodison Park, which results in the tried-and-tested Jorginho and N’Golo Kante midfield pairing in another game.

The question being posed on many occasions about if Kante is running out of his “Kante fuel” seems to be becoming valid. Kante has been quality for Chelsea in most of his six seasons at the club, but it is becoming clear he needs an understudy to help Chelsea prepare for life without him. It remains to be seen what happens in the near future.

Marcos Alonso in recent weeks has started to perform on a higher level especially leading up to this game. His 60th-minute strike at Old Trafford was the London side’s only goal on that night. He may find himself in a similar position as Rudiger except it may be a bit more toxic, as Lampard sidelined Alonso for five straight months.

Alonso is the only trusted left wingback available and as a result, is guaranteed a start. The narrative surrounding this game, as well as what a win for Chelsea could mean for Lampard’s Everton could be a bittersweet moment for the Chelsea fans.

Reece James was impactful on the right in his return against Manchester United. It really highlights the excellent development offered at the Chelsea academy. James has found himself playing as a right centerback under Tuchel in the past weeks prior to his advancement to the right wingback role.

It was clear that he wasn’t able to showcase all his capabilities though he was able to highlight his defensive prowess when he came up against the likes of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Real Madrid. James highlighted why he was confidently brought in by Lampard and Jody Morris, who have been rewarded for their faith in him. He’s steadily developed since the 2019/20 season. That being said, James remains at right wingback and will be hoping to impact this game like he did in the previous one.

Forwards: Does Lukaku start?

Against Manchester United Chelsea’s lack of prolificacy in the attack was highlighted, as they only managed to finish one of the 21 chances they created. It has cost them a lot of vital points and has caused great frustrations for fans.

Mason Mount’s place in the team is under no threat at the moment, which may be a source of concern for a lot of fans. Mount hasn’t had the greatest of seasons this term and has been forced to play a role he isn’t mature enough to play at the level required.

Ziyech has found himself out in the cold once more, but could this be the moment he finds his way back into the team? Some fans would say no, but would it be a valid point? Yes and no. Yes, because his playing style doesn’t always suit the approach Tuchel employs in a 3-4-1-2 formation. No, because Ziyech will still be able to offer crosses and passes into the opponents’ box. Despite this, it’s not a certainty he will be trusted in this game and we could end up seeing Mount playing behind the two up top once again.

Romelu Lukaku had another low-impact cameo at Old Trafford as he came on in the 70th-minute. The Belgian came in to replace Kai Havertz, who had a rough night in front of goal but was unable to improve on Havertz’s performance. Everton is a former club of Lukaku, and Goodison Park should hold fond memories for the striker. This could be another chance for the £97.5 million strikers to rekindle his form.

Although the thought process didn’t quite work against Arsenal, giving Havertz a rest and giving Lukaku a chance on a pitch he knows well may achieve a positive outcome. Timo Werner has been a funny one, currently gaining back momentum and happiness. Timo has a point to prove, and as a result, his spot in the team remains untouched.

Prediction: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger, James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso, Mount, Werner, Lukaku

Who do you think starts in this must win game against Everton? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter