--- title: "Everton (A) : Predicted XI" canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2015/09/09/evertona-predicted-xi/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Oliver Birch" section: "Chelsea Match Previews & Reports" published: "2015-09-09T10:18:22Z" modified: "2015-09-09T10:19:19Z" --- # Everton (A) : Predicted XI Whilst the international break usually halts Chelsea’s momentum in the Premier League, it may have been a saving grace for the Blues this season, following a poor showing in their opening four fixtures. The West Londoners have picked up just four points in the league thus far, in what has been a stark contrast to the title winning performances of last season. And with a number of players performing way below par, the starting 11 for this weekend’s clash with Everton at Goodison Park has been subject to wide debate; with a number of spots seemingly up for grabs. So, here is who I’d start if I was in ‘The Special Ones’ shoes. **GK – Thibaut Courtois** The Belgian has had a rollercoaster start to the 2015-16 season following a superb campaign last time out. After being sent off on the opening day of the season vs Swansea and suspended for Manchester City’s 3-0 demolition, Courtois saved a crucial penalty after being recalled for the win against West Brom, before watching the defence crumble again in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace. However the Belgian was in impressive form on international duty with Belgium, keeping a clean sheet in their 1-0 victory over Cyprus. And whilst Begovic has impressed in a Chelsea shirt thus far, despite conceding three vs City, Courtois is my choice to start vs Everton. ![Paul Gilham/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readchelsea.com/readchelsea/2015/09/4857181601.jpg) **RB – Cesar Azpilicueta** The decision to move Azpi over to right back is a ‘no-brainer’ in my opinion. Ivanovic has had an awful start to the season, which is a shame after being such a consistent performer for the Blues over the years. However the big Serb has now been found out, with his lack of pace being exploited by Swansea’s Jefferson Montero, anyone who attacked down City’s left-hand side, James McClean and Callum McManamam of West Brom and anyone who attacked down Palace’s left-hand side. Though Azpi hasn’t had the best of starts to the season either, he scored against West Brom and is one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. ![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readchelsea.com/readchelsea/2015/09/484983704.jpg) **CB – Gary Cahill** Consistent, solid, top defender. Easy choice. **CB – Kurt Zouma** Now this wasn’t such an easy choice. It’s been well documented that Blues captain John Terry has been another who has had a pretty woeful start to this season, whilst Zouma has showed glimpses of promise. After being run ragged by a certain Sergio Aguero in the first half of the defeat to City, he then hauled West Brom’s Salomon Rondon over just outside the area before receiving a red card and missing the Palace game through suspension. Zouma replaced Terry in the second half against City and I thought we looked a lot more solid defensively with him there, despite still conceding two goals. Whilst he still has a lot to learn, Zouma has the potential to be a very good defender, so he gets the nod for me. ![Alex Livesey/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readchelsea.com/readchelsea/2015/09/484318614.jpg) **LB – Baba Rahman** Azpi moving over to right-back gives Baba Rahman the opportunity for his Chelsea debut. The left-back looks another promising defender, with the ability to go forward as well. This looks like the beginning of a good-looking back four for a few seasons to come. **CM – Nemanja Matic** Matic was the backbone for our midfield last season and we look incredibly vulnerable without him. Another who hasn’t had a great start to the season, with the Serbian international conceding the penalty against West Brom, but he’s essential to the midfield and would be one of the first names on the team sheet for me. **CM – Ramires** I’ve always been a fan of Ramires and I think he needs to start alongside Matic this weekend. He’s quick, strong and never afraid to put a tackle in, which is exactly what we need against a quick Everton side, whilst his pace means he can also be a threat going forward. Fabregas hasn’t done it for me this season, and I think the likes of Barkley and Mirallas could exploit his defensive vulnerability if he starts this weekend. He’s looked slow and off the pace, so Ramires would start for me. ![Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readchelsea.com/readchelsea/2015/09/482755546.jpg) **RM – Pedro** The tricky Spaniard has been the one bright spark in an otherwise forgettable opening four games. He has made an instant impact since his arrival from Barcelona, scoring once and providing two assists already, so he is another ‘no-brainer’. ![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readchelsea.com/readchelsea/2015/09/484975590.jpg) **CAM – Oscar** If he is fit, Oscar would start for me. Whilst I’m a huge admirer of Willian, for his work rate and creativity, his end product is poor as he showed against West Brom. Oscar, on the other hand, has the end product, alongside his brilliant work-rate and creativity. After scoring on the opening day against Swansea, the Brazilian picked up a knock which ruled him out of the next three fixtures. But if he is fit, he starts for me. **LM – Eden Hazard** The star man hasn’t turned up yet this season. Aside from a brilliant performance in the last 20 minutes against West Brom to seal the victory, there has been very little to show for Hazard this season. But after two goals in two games for Belgium over the international break, the winger will hopefully be returning to his best. ![Alex Livesey/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readchelsea.com/readchelsea/2015/09/4842284822.jpg) **ST – Diego Costa** This was another tough decision. Costa has started this season poorly, with only one goal from the opening four fixtures, Radamel Falcao will be in a confident mood after scoring his first Chelsea goal against Palace, whilst Loic Remy has a point to prove after not featuring yet this season. But after Costa tore through the Everton defence at Goodison Park last season in the 6-3 thriller, I’d start the Spaniard.