Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye have been stand out players for Everton this season.
Two of Ronald Koeman’s key members of midfield could face a one match ban – Barry and Gueye are just a single booking away from a one-match suspension after the defeat to Burnley last weekend.
Both players have already picked up four yellow cards this season. Barry against Stoke City, Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Burnley. While Gueye was cautioned in games against Sunderland, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Burnley.
Although the possibility of missing one game for either player may not sound like too much of a problem for Ronald Koeman to deal with, if Barry or Gueye were to pick up a booking in the Blues must-win fixture against West Ham on Sunday, then they would miss the trip to Chelsea on November 5.
Chelsea away will be a tough test for the Blues, who are under pressure to pick up their first win in five games. Barry and Gueye have been exceptional for Everton, with their partnership praised by fans this season.
With the possibility of a one match ban to contend with, the Blues were also dealt the blow that central midfielder James McCarthy is expected to be sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring tear sustained in training.
Everton lack options and with McCarthy out, Koeman will be hoping that neither Gueye nor Barry will miss the crucial game against Chelsea. The Blues will need their strongest side in order to get a result at Stamford Bridge.
In order to avoid the ban, both midfielders have to not be booked before December 31. With plenty of games before the cut-off point, Koeman will no doubt be planning his squad around the possibility of a match without his key men.
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