Everton claimed their first Premier League win of 2024 at the weekend, as they narrowly squeezed past Burnley in a performance that left few pleased.
The result was of paramount importance, but the manner in which they claimed it was far from convincing.
Only Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s block on the goalkeeper, which fortuitously ricocheted into the visitor’s net separated them, and despite a few other chances, there was frustration that they did not put the ten-men Clarets to the sword.
But, inexplicably, Sean Dyche was pleased.
An ugly win was new territory for his side, who had dominated too often this season yet failed to capitalise.
He will be hoping to emulate such a result again at Stamford Bridge next Monday, but might have to make some tough personnel decisions.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been poor for weeks
One such example is regarding Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has admittedly struggled for weeks now since returning from injury.
An inability to pick back up where he left off was a problem he was plagued with under Carlo Ancelotti, and now it is really affecting the Dyche’s team again.
If he is not providing the goals or the energy he once was, there is little that the £20m midfielder really offers.
After all, he is not the silky operator who will unlock a defence with his technical quality.
Zero goals and zero assists across the last seven Premier League starts marks a poor return for someone who was once the most prolific midfielder in the division for a period.
So, against Chelsea, he must start on the bench.
Everton have a few replacements lined up
Should Amadou Onana be deemed fit enough to start again in the midfield, it might allow for Andre Gomes to be pushed further up the pitch, where he can truly dominate attacking proceedings.
Against Burnley, he was both industrious and classy in his play, maintaining his influence all over the pitch.
So, to allow him more freedom to drift into dangerous pockets that an admittedly weak Chelsea side afford, could provide that killer instinct to further condemn the west London outfit.
Another option might be to simply place Jack Harrison in that role, as it is one he has been deployed in at times this season.
Doucoure, back when he was thriving, did endure a spell out injured. And whilst he did not set the world alight, his energy and pace were extremely useful in spearheading a press alongside the striker.
Either he or Dwight McNeil could operate in that space, perhaps even interchanging to give Chelsea an extra dimension to worry about.