It has been some time since Chelsea carried genuine momentum into a Premier League fixture. Yet after three consecutive victories and the pressure on Graham Potter temporarily lifted, there is much optimism ahead of Saturday's clash against Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Win and the Blues will go into the international break in a buoyant mood; debate as to whether an unlikely push for the Champions League places is possible may even restart. But fail to take three points against an Everton side battling for survival and supporters will be left to stew on their frustration for a fortnight.
Potter has been boosted ahead of the game by the respective returns of key players from illness and injury. Although he will still have to contend with the absence of the ageless Thiago Silva, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury. A decision will also need to be made as to whether N'Golo Kante returns to the matchday squad after six months out.
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The Chelsea head coach only made two changes to his starting XI for last weekend's victory over Leicester City – and both of those were enforced. Potter isn't likely to make wholesale alterations to his side on Saturday evening but there are three players who could be brought into the team.
James for Loftus-Cheek
There was no Reece James against Leicester City on Saturday; illness was the reason given by Potter. So Ruben Loftus-Cheek was drafted in to play at right wing-back. The 27-year-old is not a natural in the position but once again performed well in the role as Chelsea secured a 3-1 win.
However, James was back in training on Tuesday morning and should the academy graduate come through the rest of the week unscathed, he should be back in the side against Everton. The reason why is obvious: Chelsea will need to break down a low block and James is a huge weapon from right wing-back.
Badiashile for Cucurella
It feels somewhat harsh to remove Marc Cucurella from the back three after the Spaniard produced fine performances against Borussia Dortmund and Leicester. But Dyche's side will pose a very different challenge and it's for that reason Benoit Badiashile may return to the back three.
The France international has impressed, both in a back four and a back three, following his January switch from Monaco. Badiashile's composure in possession has stood out but it's his physical prowess – and his 6ft 4in frame – that will likely be required against an Everton side that poses a significant threat aerially.
Sterling for Mudryk
This is, of course, fitness dependent. Raheem Sterling missed last weekend's game against Leicester with a tight hamstring and wasn't involved in yesterday's session at Cobham. But if the England international is available, he is the logical choice to replace Mykhailo Mudryk in the attack.
There were flashes of the Ukraine international's undoubted talent at the King Power Stadium last weekend – and he was unfortunate to have his first Chelsea goal ruled out for offside. Yet Mudryk is, at this stage, at his best when there is space to exploit behind an opposition backline. That space is unlikely to be there against Everton.
It's why Sterling should return. The 28-year-old's finishing can be somewhat erratic but he has sharp penalty-box instincts. He is more likely to sniff out a half-chance than Mudryk and that could be vital in ensuring the Blues come away with all three points.
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