Everton host Chelsea on 17 October knowing exactly what is coming. Xabi Alonso’s side arrive with goals in them, confidence high after a 5-1 win over Bournemouth, and enough pace in attack to punish any lapse. David Moyes will want a reaction from his team after the 2-2 draw at Hull City, where Everton did enough going forward and still found a way to leave points behind.

That is the issue. At Hull, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry scored, but Everton’s defensive concentration slipped at the wrong moments. Against Chelsea, that margin for error shrinks fast.

Chelsea have been one of the division’s sharpest attacking sides so far. Only Brighton and Manchester City have better scoring numbers. Everton, for their part, have built their season on defensive solidity and Jordan Pickford remains central to that. He stays in goal, no debate there.

At the back, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is likely to keep his place on the right. He struggled defensively at times against Hull, but he also produced an assist and Moyes has limited alternatives in that role. James Tarkowski should captain the side again, with Jarrad Branthwaite expected to return to a more natural central slot.

The other likely adjustment comes on the left. Vitaliy Mykolenko is expected to be fit enough to start, which should send Michael Keane back to the bench. That gives Everton a more balanced back four, and they will need it.

If Everton are to make this uncomfortable for Chelsea, it starts in midfield. Alonso’s teams can overwhelm opponents in bursts, moving the ball quickly and forcing errors. Harrison Armstrong and James Garner have to do the ugly work, close spaces, break rhythm and keep the game from turning into a track meet.

Further forward, Dewsbury-Hall looks undroppable. He has quickly become one of Moyes’ most reliable players, and his goal at Hull only reinforced that. Jack Grealish should also continue, with Everton still managing his minutes and rhythm after last season’s long injury absence. The signs have been gradual rather than spectacular, but he offers control and the ability to draw fouls in useful areas.

The second expected change is in attack, where Tyrique George could come in for Brennan Johnson. There is a simple logic to it. George gives Everton something Chelsea may not be fully prepared for, and he carries a point to prove against his former club. He was described as “exceptional” by Mark Schwarzer, and this looks like the right moment for Moyes to use him.