Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday in a clash that could send the hosts top of the table.
The Blues will be eager to continue their unbeaten start to the season with another win on Sunday over an Everton side who have found their rhythm in recent weeks, having won four of their previous five league games.
With both sides favouring a possession based game under new managers Maurizio Sarri and Marco Silva, Sunday’s clash will be an intriguing tactical encounter.
1. Eden Hazard vs Seamus Coleman
Both players know each other well, having competed against one another for years in the Premier League.
Hazard has rediscovered his best form this season after struggling for consistency and goals last term; scoring eight times in all competitions and adding four assists this season already.
Coleman has recovered remarkably from a leg break that many feared would end the 30-year-old’s career at the top. The Irishman’s hallmark rampaging runs from full-back will have to be carefully considered on Sunday though, with Hazard capable of exploiting any space left by the Irishman on the counter.
2. Álvaro Morata vs Yerry Mina
The Spaniard has had a torrid time of late for the Blues, but scored twice against Crystal Palace in an excellent showing.
Meanwhile, Mina looks set to make his first Premier League start for the Toffees with loanee Kurt Zouma ineligible to face his parent club. The Colombian faces a baptism of fire, as he will be tasked with keeping Chelsea’s fearsome attack at bay, although he will primarily find himself up against Morata.
The centre-back is a danger in the air, as shown over the summer in the World Cup, and will be eager to show his attacking worth from set pieces for the visitors.
3. Richarlison (vs Injury) vs Antonio Rudiger
Richarlison has been Everton’s go-to man this season in attack. The Brazilian’s athleticism and ability on the ball has seen him move to a central role up front, Marco Silva clearly believes his summer signing is capable of leading the line alone. Six goals so far this season would suggest the former Watford manager is right.
Rudiger has developed his game massively under Maurizio Sarri and looks to have established himself as first choice under the Italian. Many felt that the German was best suited to a back three system, but he has shown increasing reliability paired with David Luiz this season and silenced many of his critics.
4. Gylfi Sigurdsson vs Jorginho
The Icelandic playmaker’s talent has never been questioned, though many managers have struggled to find the best position to make the most of his vision and shooting ability.
This season under Marco Silva, Sigurdsson clearly understands his role and has rewarded his manager’s faith with a return of five goals and two assists in the league. Stunning strikes against Leicester and Fulham serve as clear indicators of the former Spurs man’s capabilities at his best.
Jorginho has been deployed as Sarri’s deepest midfielder and the Italian will need to be at his defensive best to prevent Sigurdsson from influencing proceedings in the final third on Sunday, while ensuring his side dominate possession as usual.
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