This man’s return could be the difference for Everton against Chelsea – opinion
Everton's French defender Lucas Digne passes the ball during the English Premier League football match between Watford and Everton at Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, north of London on February 1, 2020. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Carlo Ancelotti returns to Stamford Bridge with Everton tomorrow for the first time since being sacked by Chelsea. The Italian will be in the dugout having accepted a misconduct charge by the Football Association for his protests after the Toffees’ late goal against Manchester United was ruled out. Along with the positive news he will not have to watch from the stands, Lucas Digne could also return to the starting eleven following a muscle injury which has kept him on the treatment table in recent weeks.
The French left-back has been a revelation since joining Everton from Barcelona in 2018 and this season he is the Toffees lead creator, having provided five assists for the Merseyside club in the Premier League. He has also recorded the second-highest number of tackles per game, 2.2, along with 1.2 interceptions on average in 25 top-flight appearances, as per WhoScored. In both attacking and defensive areas this season, the 26-year-old left-back has been one of Everton’s most influential players and his return could provide a significant boost to the squad.
However, if he does pass a late fitness test, the Frenchman will have to overcome veteran Leighton Baines, who has performed admirably in Digne’s absence. Despite having not featured for Everton before December, the experienced England international has slotted straight back into the side. However, he has been unable to replicate Digne’s numbers in attacking scenarios, as Baines is yet to provide a single assist.
The fixture against Chelsea is crucial for Everton’s outside hopes of securing a Champions League or Europa League qualification spot. A win could see them move back into the top half of the table and possibly close Chelsea’s gap to the chasing pack completely.
The Toffees cannot afford to lose or draw this fixture as they did against Arsenal and then Manchester United in the previous matches, and for that reason, Ancelotti might bring Digne back into the fold. Everton require his incredible crossing abilities, having played 2.3 per game as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have scored seven headed goals between them in the Premier League this season. Digne’s delivery could provide the difference between leaving Stamford Bridge full of hope or disappointment.