Noel Whelan has claimed that Allan will be in the starting XI for Everton when they play Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday evening.

After playing the entirety of last weeks win over Southampton, the central midfielder had a 32-minute cameo in their last game away at West Brom as Carlo Ancelotti manages his minutes after he picked up a muscle injury back in December, prior to which he was a consistent starter (Transfermarkt).

However, former Leeds United and Coventry City striker Whelan has claimed that Allan will return to the starting line-up for when the Toffees face Thomas Tuchel's side, telling Football Insider:

“There’s no doubt Allan has to start. He’s been great since he got there, he is Ancelotti’s man.

“I think that 30 minutes is a tell-tale sign he’s back, he’s ready, he’ll be in the starting XI. Could you change the formation possibly? I think that’s what you might have to do to fit Doucoure, Gomes and Allan in there. 

“You saw the midfield of Chelsea against Liverpool with Mason Mount and the energy. To get anything out the game, you need a really strong, defensive-minded midfield.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he played all three of them in a 4-3-3. Sometimes you need a change of formation against certain teams to be a little bit more stable.

“We can see what Chelsea are about now. Even when they’re under pressure, they hit you with a counter-attack.

“You might want to stick all three in there against this Chelsea outfit. Be really aggressive and solid.”

Everton boosted by Allan return

There is no doubt that the Merseyside club will be boosted by the return of Allan as they look to come back from Stamford Bridge unscathed against a tough opponent.

The former Napoli ace is vital to the team in terms of winning the ball back, as his average of 3.1 tackles per game is the most out of any Toffees player to have played in 10 or matches for them in the top flight so far this term (WhoScored).

He has also won no fewer than 5.9 of his duels per match in the Premier League and averaged 1.4 successful dribbles (Sofascore), showing how the Brazil international can also carry the ball forward for his side after gaining possession.

Having the 30-year-old back should be a big plus for the Toffees and, as Whelan has suggested, it would be no surprise to see him restored to Ancelotti's starting XI against Chelsea.

In other news, find out which Champions League duo Ancelotti wants to sign!