Everton’s physicality and aerial threat means Marcos Alonso and Olivier Giroud are strong candidates to return to the starting line-up for the home game against Everton on Monday.
Left wing-back Alonso and centre-forward Giroud were both omitted from the side which won so impressively at Anfield last Thursday, with boss Thomas Tuchel understandably preferring the pace of Ben Chilwell and Timo Werner to counter the home side’s counter-attacking threat and trouble their high defensive line.
But Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees side have a considerable presence, with Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison all strong in the air, although towering defender Yerry Mina remains out injured.
Tuchel has big decisions to make all over the pitch against fifth-placed Everton, who would go above the Blues in the Premier League table with victory at Stamford Bridge.
Reece James starred against the Reds and may well have done enough to keep his place, with his pace, power and crossing ability – especially if Giroud plays – likely to be invaluable.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech would most likely miss out if the Frenchman gets the nod up front but, of the two, Ziyech’s extra creativity against a deep-lying defence could see him feature if Werner plays centrally and Giroud remains on the bench.
Veteran defender Thiago Silva is close to returning after injury but seems unlikely to displace Andreas Christensen, who has been outstanding playing centrally in a back three alongside Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger.
With no home goals conceded in five games as part of a ten-game unbeaten run, Tuchel will be reluctant to change a rock-solid defence – even for Silva.
The midfield double-six is once again a case of three into two. N’Golo Kante was back to his best against Liverpool but the German has spoken about the need to manage the midfielder’s workload meaning Mateo Kovacic is a decent shout to partner Jorginho from the outset, with Kante left on the bench.
