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Everton predicted lineup vs Chelsea: Ancelotti switches to 4-3-3, Andre Gomes in for James Rodriguez

By Parth Jhaveri

Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud (L) vies with Everton's English defender Michael Keane (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / 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 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud (L) vies with Everton's English defender Michael Keane (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / 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 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Everton
Everton (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

Ben Godfrey is expected to be the makeshift right back.

Defence:

Right back: Ben Godfrey

Ben Godfrey is stepping up as one of the best players in this rough patch of games. His display against Burnley was phenomenal, speaking volumes of his abilities. I admit that he’s had a shaky start but one cannot complain about his constant evolution, especially when he’s largely played out of position or in a less comfortable role. Given that a 3-4-3 has not aided the dfence a lot in recent games, he’ll be a makeshift right back in a back four against the Blues from London.

Ben Godfrey vs. Timo Werner will be one of the most interesting duels in the game. The German has gone three games without scoring and will be eyeing to capitalize on Everton’s struggling defence while Godfrey will be tasked with keeping Werner at bay while also building the play from the back.

Centre back: Michael Keane

Michael Keane is the other obvious choice in the Everton back four. One thing that was missing from the Englishman last season was consistency and reliability. Keane has ticked those two boxes this season and has arguably been the most reliable centre back in the herd.

Much like Everton’s form, Keane’s form has spiralled down a bit in recent weeks but he still continues to perform at a decent level. Giroud is on a hot scoring streak and Keane will have to defend ambitiously to neutralize the threat from the Frenchman.

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Centre back: Mason Holgate

This was a tough pick. Had this been last season, I would have blindly selected Holgate over Yerry Mina. However, since returning from the ankle injury, the 24 year old has lacked match sharpness and still looks to be in the recovering phase. Yerry Mina on the other hand has had a roller coaster of ups and downs. Certain areas in his have been a massive improvement while some have got even worse.

Everton will like to build an attack from the back considering Chelsea’s selective pressing. Holgate is far better ball player than Mina, comfortable with distribution and picking out smart passes.

Left back: Niels Nkounkou

The youngster is finally set to receive the much awaited chance to return to the first team with his last appearance coming against Newcastle United one month ago. When it was revealed that Lucas Digne would miss 2-3 months due to injury, fans were devastated but on the other hand were also excited that Nkounkou would get a proper shot in the team after his explosive displays earlier.

However, Ancelotti first used Alex Iwobi as a left wing back and then Fabian Delph and neither of them returned with satisfactory results. With Delph ruled out for Chelsea game, Nkounkou is the man to look out for. His attacking intent can hurt Chelsea if not paid proper attention to.