Chelsea’s form has hit a real purple patch of late. After back-to-back losses against Liverpool and Arsenal, which followed a draw at Swansea, Blues boss Antonio Conte ventured away from the 4-1-4-1 formation that gave him three wins on the spin in his opening trio of matches in favour of a three-man system, and the results have fully justified his call.

Indeed, the London club won all four of their Premier League matches in October, keeping a quartet of shutouts in the process. As far as tactical switches go, it’s been a good one, we think you’ll agree.

During the run, Conte has largely stuck with the same XI, but with Everton a slightly different test to those the capital-based club have faced of late, we at FootballFanCast wouldn’t be shocked to see a couple of changes. They say never tinker with a winning formula, but some switches may just inject more energy and verve into Chelsea’s play and also counteract the threats Everton possess.

GK – Thibaut Courtois

With Asmir Begovic and Eduardo in reserve, Conte is unlikely to stray away from Courtois. The imposing Belgian may not have scaled the heights of his debut campaign in England for some time, but he’s giant in stature, which will be useful when dealing with crosses aimed towards Romelu Lukaku.

CB – John Terry

It may seem a silly decision to slot a ‘new’ defender into a back three that’s not been breached in league action for over a month, but with Everton a real threat from crosses, Terry’s aerial ability and leadership qualities may be key. The veteran captain might have lost a yard of pace, but he still has his uses and often shines in the bigger games.

CB – David Luiz

Luiz’s re-signing was questioned by many, but the Brazilian has looked composed and assured in the blue shirt thus far. His wild hair may draw attention, but his playing style has been nowhere near as reckless since his comeback, hinting that he matured somewhat while away in France. The security of a three-man backline also gives him the freedom to pick the sort of passes not many centre-backs are capable of.

CB – Gary Cahill

Again, in ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta, Cahill’s aerial prowess will be key. Everton are dangerous when supplying the ball to Lukaku from wide, so the Englishman’s stature and experience will be needed.

RWB – Victor Moses

Reborn under Conte, Moses looks to have finally found the position to suit his abilities. The Nigerian offers an attacking threat but is also disciplined enough to track back and aid his defenders, making him ideal in this Chelsea set-up. Indeed, the position seems to magnify his strengths and draw attention away from his weaknesses.

CM – N’Golo Kante

Kante’s energy will be of even greater importance against an Everton side that offer threats in behind a main front-man. The Toffees are expected to mirror Chelsea’s 3-4-3 with Yannick Bolasie and Ross Barkley given the duties of roaming off of Lukaku, and with the pair creative and unpredictable, the Frenchman will need to be at his all-action best.

CM – Nemanja Matic

Although not as mobile as Kante, Matic does a similar job in midfield, with prowling around the centre of the pitch and cutting off opposition attacks at source his forte. The Serbian’s 6ft. 4” frame will also be handy when defending set-plays.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

When the Spaniard was signed for a £20m+ fee at the back end of the transfer window, many predicted that a three-man backline was Conte’s end game, with the once Bolton and Sunderland man having excellent in such a formation at Fiorentina. True to that, Alonso has come in as the left wing-back of choice and has been excellent since Conte made his tactical shift following the Arsenal loss.

RAM – Willian

With Everton offering threats aplenty from wide positions, Willian’s mix of defensive responsibility and energy will be needed in terms of tracking back and supporting Moses. The Brazilian, however, is not just a useful player going backwards, as he’s proven through his spell at Chelsea with some wonderful contributions in the final third.

LAM – Eden Hazard

Hazard is once again undroppable, and showed last week with an fine goal at Southampton that he’s back to his best form. The Belgian will cause Everton’s defensive players all manner of concerns and will be key in ensuring Seamus Coleman is allowed to travel too far forward – he will, of course, be wary of leaving gaps behind him.

ST – Diego Costa

Perhaps the easiest decision of the lot, Costa will start up front. The Spaniard has eight goals to his name in just ten games and really is thriving with two wide players being able to get close to him and supply passes around the box. Conte also has Michy Batshuayi to call upon should his side end up chasing the game.