Chelsea will be looking to improve on what boss Jose Mourinho has called a “very bad” start to the season when they face Everton at Goodison Park. Here are five potential battles we think could be all-important in Saturday’s game.
Pedro v Bryan Oviedo
Pedro has made a fine start to his Chelsea career and Everton’s left-back crisis seems like a potential gift for the Spaniard. With Leighton Baines out long-term and Brendan Galloway also struggling, Oviedo played in the 0-0 draw at Spurs last time out. However, he has an injury of his own. If Oviedo is unable to play through the pain barrier, new signing Ramiro Funes Mori could be pressed into action.
Diego Costa v John Stones
All eyes will be on Stones following Chelsea’s unsuccessful attempt to sign him during the recent transfer window. How will he handle the occasion? And more important for Chelsea fans, does he look like a replacement for Terry in the making? He’ll certainly be tested by Costa, who has been a handful for even the best Premier League centre-backs.
Nemanja Matic v Ross Barkley
Matic, superb and such an influence last season, has not been at his best so far this term. He’ll have a key job for Chelsea in shutting down the threat from Barkley, who this week scored his first goal for England in the recent win against San Marino.
John Terry v Romelu Lukaku
The Chelsea captain is available again after suspension and will face a former team-mate in Lukaku, who will no doubt be looking to prove a point after being allowed to leave Stamford Bridge by Mourinho.
Eden Hazard v Seamus Coleman
This one definitely has the makings of an intriguing battle. Coleman has carved out a reputation as one of the best right-backs around but he loves to attack and that could give Hazard some space at the other end.
This post was last modified on 12/09/2015