After starting their title defense in an awful fashion, the Blues will now be traveling to Everton this weekend in the early Saturday match this weekend.
Everton, who have 5 points from the opening four matches so far, take on a Chelsea side which is lacking in confidence and fluidity. Chelsea also has not been performing like defending champions so far, with one win and two loses out of four matches.
Going to Everton is never easy and Mourinho knows this fact. Three points is a must for Chelsea in order to regain confidence and to get the season back on track. It’s too early to say that Chelsea will or will not win the league, but matches early on in the season can come back to haunt clubs during the latter stages of the season.
Chelsea need to make a statement and in order to do this, Mourinho needs to have a formation with more speed and chemistry. A strong defensive showing is important for Chelsea when playing against Everton as the club from Liverpool can hurt any club with its offensive weaponry.
Preferred Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois
A no brainer, the first choice goalkeeper for Chelsea and one of the best keepers in the world!
Defence
Despite the defensive problems continuing with a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace, Jose Mourinho is likely to go with his usual suspects for the defensive line.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic are set to resume the defensive duties for the Blues against Everton. John Terry comes back from suspension to team up with Gary Cahill to round out the back four for Chelsea.
Midfield
Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic must look to get out of their slow starts for the club this season and a good match against Everton could re-spark the confidence that has been lacking from the two holding midfielders so far.
Eden Hazard, Willan and Pedro will be supporting Diego Costa and will provide the threat down the flanks for Chelsea.
Forward
Diego Costa is hoping that with the support of fellow Spanish national team player Pedro, he will be able to get back on track following a difficult international period.
Substitutes
Loic Remy could get a few minutes off the bench for Chelsea and he will be looking to impress Mourinho in hope of getting more starts and minutes for the club. Having scored last match day against Crystal Palace with a spectacular diving header goal, Falcao might be sent out to provide a late winner if needed.
Finally, don’t be surprised with the idea of Kennedy coming off the bench and providing a spark of youth for the Blues. The newcomer is also keen on impressing Jose Mourinho and getting his first tally for Chelsea.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
