Chelsea vs Everton: What do the Blues think about the Royal Blues?

Allan has enabled Everton to play a midfield diamond

PRT: Allan simply makes the midfield tick, his presence allows Everton to play in a midfield diamond and play a two striker formation effectively. N’Golo Kante is also the archetypal defensive anchor for Chelsea. Will their performances determine how do their respective sides fare in the game?

"Gabe: The difference between Allan and N’Golo Kante in this match is we know for sure that the former will start. Tuchel has preferred a midfield pivot of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic during his early days at Stamford Bridge. That being said, Kante was unavailable when the German first arrived, so that unpredictability in the team sheets still exists. If Kante does make the starting XI, he can dictate any game in the world. Allan and Ancelotti’s midfield diamond will give Tuchel’s side its biggest test yet, as there’s a bit of worry as to how the Blues will handle a midfield overload. The midfield battle will dictate this match and one has to feel that if Chelsea’s pivot cannot cope with the diamond, it could be a long day at the office. The Blues have dispatched of diamonds before, but none as disciplined and diverse as Everton’s."

PRT: James Rodriguez most likely ruled out of the game. The Colombian is a playmaking genius and his absence will surely hurt Everton. What kind of an advantage does it give to Chelsea for they do not have to bother about his defence splitting passes and playmaking?

"Gabe: In an odd sense, this may benefit Everton in the lead up to the match. The Blues now have to prepare for scenarios in which multiple other midfielders step into the role, so there is some uncertainty there. That being said, James is one of the biggest game changers in the league and it always makes things easier when an opposing star is absent. In this case, James’ absence will allow Tuchel’s side to have more control in the midfield while the defense focuses on the wide forwards."