Key Battles for Everton hosting Chelsea

The League leaders come to Goodison, with unforeseen pressure being put on them by an unrelenting Spurs. If Everton hope to finish above Arsenal then this game is a must win after an upsetting visit to West Ham last week. A lot rides on this including a Dixie Dean record, if Lukaku scores then he surpasses Dean’s tally of 9 consecutive home goals at Goodison, go ‘ed Rom.

Tactically this is a game I’m really looking forward to, Everton have one of the best midfields in the league this season. Gana and Schneiderlin have been immense, and every time Barkley and Davies link up my heart beams with pride, we have been industrial, intelligent and most importantly, effective.

Everton’s English midfielder Ross Barkley (L) celebrates with Everton’s English midfielder Tom Davies after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Hull City and Everton at the KCOM Stadium in Kingston upon Hull, north east England on December 30, 2016.The game ended 2-2. / AFP / Lindsey PARNABY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)

I really look forward to how Davies and Barkley will cope when they come up against a man who instead of a heart has the core of a star, Kante. His pressing is among the most intelligent we have ever seen in the Premier League, his work rate is through the roof, and he is a terror to play against. This could be Davies’ greatest test yet, should the two frequently meet. If Kante and Barkley find each other throughout the game, it will be interesting to see if Barkley’s surplus of touches will act to beat Kante or he could completely get swallowed up by the Chelsea midfield.

With Chelsea’s pressure, Tom Davies becomes a vital part of our game plan, his one or two touch style of football will be vital. Gana and Schneiderlin will need to be at their best should we stand a chance of winning, no matter how good they are, Costa and more so Hazard simply will get the best of them on some interactions, our defense will seek to limit how much damage they will inevitably do to us.

Mouriniho gave Herrera the task of being Hazard’s shadow, which was largely successful when Chelsea played Manchester United. We could do the same with Gana, but then we lose a huge function of our team. This is a game that will be decided by who has the best midfield on the day, and we absolutely have the quality to beat them. I think the score will be low, I doubt Koeman will take any majour risks, I predict 1-1, Lukaku gets his goal.

Up the Ev.