After another win that was grinded out against West Brom, Everton come up against one of the big boys in the top four race.
Tomas Tuchel’s Chelsea our in some fine form having gone unbeaten ever since the German manager took over.
So it Everton can beat them, something their rivals from across Stanley Park were unable to do, it’ll be the biggest show of intent from themselves so far this season.
Three clean sheets on the bounce ha been mightily impressive from Ancelotti’s men with the last two victories against West Brom and Southampton being tight on the score line but relatively comfortable in the game.
That’s testament to how good Everton have been at defending deep which will be needed against Chelsea’s quick frontman Timo Werner.
However the biggest problem Everton may find is breaking Chelsea down as in the ten games Tuchel has been in dugout for his side have kept eight clean sheets so the Monday night game may be very tight.
Ancelotti was beaming with pride after the West Brom game and said something that would have caught the attention of many Evertonians.
The Italian said: “This is my team. Everton is my team. I feel these players follow me. They have a lot of respect for my idea.”
It’s not just the players.
Every fan has been behind Ancelotti ever since he stepped through the door and there is no surprise.
He was undoubtedly known as one of the best managers in the world before he joined Everton and he is proving why with how well he is doing at The Toffees.
Champions League football at Goodison Park next year for when fans can come back, it would be surreal.
But the players need to keep up their performance levels and fight for three points in every game.
Something that Jordan Pickford has been doing recently.
England’s goalkeeper, who is celebrating his birthday the day before the game, has come back after injury and been in spectacular form.
Saves against Henderson in the derby, Vestergaard in the last minutes against Southampton and a unreal stretched out arm to deny Diagne for West Brom have earned his side victories showing Everton fans how good he can be.
He needs to keep it up as it looks like he has really turned a corner to keep his England number one spot.
With the likes of Godfrey and Keane in front of him it is a bit easier as they’ve been playing fantastically well, so it could well be Tuchel’s toughest test yet as manager of Chelsea.
If Everton win this then top four is well and truly in their sights, if they don’t there’s no need to worry as they will bounce back just like they have done many times this season.
The mentality installed by Ancelotti is second to none so expect a fiery performance full of belief from this fine Everton side.
Written By Elliot Thompson
