Everton are back in Premier League action again tomorrow, and will certainly fancy their chances of snagging a result against Chelsea.
After all, not only are they completely shy of confidence, but they also are set to be ravaged by injuries, with a plethora of big names resigned to the treatment table.
That will be music to Sean Dyche’s ears, who will need all the help he can get in capitalising on a weekend of favourable results in the relegation battle.
However, one particular vacancy for the hosts will have caught the 52-year-old’s eye, as a gap that his side will surely be able to exploit with a vengeance.
Chelsea suffer late injury blow
Well, the latest on Chelsea’s injury woes comes courtesy of journalist Gastón Edul, who honed in on one of the numerous players who are set to be out for tomorrow’s clash.
In fact, one report yesterday suggested as many as 11 players could be missing for the hosts.
However, arguably the most important of those potential absentees would surely be Enzo Fernandez, who this reporter hones in on.
The £180k-a-week maestro, although he has come under intense scrutiny due to the price tag he commanded, remains a key cog in Pochettino’s system. So, to potentially have it removed could prove costly against Everton’s workmanlike midfield.
Edul noted: ‘Enzo Fernández did not train at the same time in Chelsea because he has an inflammation in his adductor. Without fibrillar rupture (that is, there is no muscle strain or injury).
‘There is a chance that they will rest him against Everton so that he can reach 100% against Man City.’
Everton could overrun the midfield without Enzo Fernandez there
So often this season, much of Chelsea’s play has flowed through Fernandez.
After all, he commands possession, always seeking to get on the ball and try to make something happen, with varied success.
However, regardless, he tries, and against an Everton side that will surely sacrifice possession to the Blues, that would be useful in trying to probe a resolute and well-drilled outfit.
But instead, his absence will likely be filled by the partnership of Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher, neither of whom possesses that metronome-like presence.
They will work hard, but might struggle to keep ahold of possession against the likes of James Garner, Amadou Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
It could be an area of real weakness for Chelsea and one which Dyche will look to exploit.