Everton got back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend and their fans in the Tavern are pretty relieved indeed!
The Toffees had been on somewhat of a barren run, but the 2-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday ensured they kept pace with some of the frontrunners at the top of the table.
As for West Ham, they remain precariously close to the relegation zone after yet another game they never looked like winning.
And after earning the much-needed three points, attention will turn to Everton’s upcoming clash with Chelsea, who are very much going well themselves at the moment.
But armed with a prediction from our ever-knowledgeable pub landlord, we’re tipping Ronald Koeman’s team to surprise the Blues on Saturday.
At times during the Irons, the Toffees looked back to their best and Koeman’s impact at Goodison Park has once again been met with huge applause amongst our Merseyside locals.
So with that in mind, here’s our Everton XI we think will get all three points against the Blues this weekend…
Maarten Stekelenburg
Despite missing out on Everton’s win over the Hammers this weekend, Maarten Stekelenburg is expected to come back into the Toffees side for the game against Chelsea.
Seamus Coleman
A rock in this Everton side, Seamus Coleman has held down this position for a number of years now and still, no one looks close to dispelling him from the side.
He’s pacy, energetic and hard-working- a real find and a player who will be in the side for a while to come.
Phil Jagielka
Phil Jagielka was dropped to the bench for the visit of West Ham but we’re expecting him to come back into the side for the Chelsea game.
Chelsea are a real unit going forward and the Toffees will need their most seasoned defenders to minimise the threat of Costa and co.
Ashley Williams
You’ve got to give former Swansea City man Ashley Williams plenty of credit for the way he has settled into life on Merseyside.
He’s looked extremely solid since making the move from Wales this summer and if he plays well, Chelsea will by no means stroll to victory in this one.
Bryan Oviedo
Oviedo is back in the Everton first-team and playing well.
He made a fantastic tackle to prevent Andre Ayew scoring for the Hammers last weekend and it’s great to see him having some success after having to buy his time on the sidelines.
James McCarthy
With Idriss Gueye suspended, Koeman will be without one of his most trusted lieutenants for the game with the Blues.
Still, James McCarthy is barely a bad replacement and can really look to command a starting berth should he impress against Chelsea.
Big performance needed indeed.
Gareth Barry
Despite his age, Gareth Barry continues to pull the strings in this Everton midfield and you’ve got to give the 35-year-old plenty of credit for the way he’s continued to stay in shape, even as he nears the end of his career.
Vital to the Toffees.
Yannick Bolasie
Everton’s real strength comes in their forward line and with Yannick Bolasie now in the Toffees ranks, it’s easy to see why they’re a force to be reckoned with.
The former Palace man brings so much strength and power to the side and with Lukaku and Barkley alongside him, Everton will be strong until the very end this season.
Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley is back in form and after a disappointing start, he’s looking more and more like the player we recognise from old.
He dispatched Everton’s second goal against the Hammers and he’ll be looking to impress against Premier League giants Chelsea too.
Kevin Mirallas
Kevin Mirallas hasn’t had a rip-roaring start to the campaign by any means but it’s easy to see why he’s still picked week-after-week in this team.
His creativity, pace and endeavour on the right-hand flank is instrumental to the good work Everton do going forward and he’d be a real miss if he wasn’t in the squad.
Romelu Lukaku
There’s only one man starting up front for the Toffees this season and that’s Romelu Lukaku.
The former Chelsea man will relish a tie against his former employers and if anyone will be in the mood for revenge, it will be the Belgian.
