Chelsea vs Everton Match Preview | Premier League 2025/26
Fixture: Chelsea vs Everton
Competition: Premier League
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM GMT (10:00 AM ET)
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Referee: TBC
Match Overview
Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge in a crucial Premier League encounter as both teams look to cement their positions in the table. The Blues have experienced a mixed patch of form recently, while the Toffees arrive buoyed by their impressive recent victory over Nottingham Forest. This fixture promises tactical intrigue as Enzo Maresca’s attacking philosophy meets David Moyes’ pragmatic approach.
Current Form & League Standings
Chelsea (Home Team)
Chelsea currently occupy a top-four position in the Premier League table, though their recent form has been inconsistent. The Blues were in title contention earlier in December but have endured a challenging period that included a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Leeds United. Despite this setback, they remain well-positioned in the race for Champions League qualification, currently sitting fifth or sixth depending on results.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- Lost 3-1 to Leeds United (away)
- Drew 0-0 with Bournemouth (away)
- Won 5-1 against Shamrock Rovers (Europa Conference League)
- Previous mixed results in December
Home Record:
Chelsea have been strong at Stamford Bridge this season, creating numerous chances and maintaining defensive solidity in front of their home crowd. The Blues have historically dominated Everton at this venue, with the Toffees failing to win at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League era.
Everton (Away Team)
Everton sit in 10th place in the Premier League standings with 6 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses from 14 matches. Under David Moyes, the Toffees have shown marked improvement, losing just two of their last 13 league matches (against Manchester City and Liverpool). They come into this fixture on the back of an impressive 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- Won 3-0 against Nottingham Forest (home)
- Drew with Arsenal 0-0 (away)
- Mixed results prior to their recent resurgence
Away Record:
Everton’s away form has been solid with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses on the road. However, their historical record at Stamford Bridge is concerning, having lost their last two visits by an aggregate score of 7-0, including a 6-0 hammering last April.
Head-to-Head Record
Chelsea hold a commanding historical advantage in this fixture, having won 31 of the 63 meetings between the two sides, compared to Everton’s 12 victories. Twenty matches have ended in draws.
Recent Meetings:
- April 26, 2025: Chelsea 1-0 Everton (Nicolas Jackson)
- December 22, 2024: Everton 0-0 Chelsea (at Goodison Park)
- April 15, 2024: Chelsea 6-0 Everton (Cole Palmer hat-trick)
- December 10, 2023: Everton 2-0 Chelsea
Key Stats:
- Everton have won 5 of their last 6 home Premier League matches against Chelsea
- However, Chelsea have dominated at Stamford Bridge, and Everton haven’t won away at Chelsea in the Premier League era
- Both teams scored in just one of the past five league meetings
- David Moyes is winless in all 19 Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge
Team News & Injuries
Chelsea
Confirmed Out:
- Moises Caicedo (suspension)
- Levi Colwill (ACL injury – out until late April)
- Romeo Lavia (thigh injury – expected back early January)
- Dario Essugo (thigh injury)
- Liam Delap (shoulder dislocation – 2 months out)
- Mykhailo Mudryk (FA suspension)
Doubtful:
- Malo Gusto (knock)
Available:
- Cole Palmer (returning from brief injury concern)
- Enzo Fernandez
- Nicolas Jackson
- Robert Sanchez
Manager Status: Enzo Maresca is available on the touchline
Everton
Confirmed Out:
- Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring injury)
- Seamus Coleman (unspecified injury)
- Merlin Röhl (groin/hernia)
- Timothy Iroegbunam (suspension)
- Idrissa Gana Gueye (suspension)
Key Players Available:
- Jordan Pickford
- James Tarkowski
- Iliman Ndiaye
- Jack Grealish
- Dwight McNeil
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Tactical Analysis
Chelsea’s Approach
Enzo Maresca has implemented an attractive, possession-based system at Chelsea that emphasizes quick transitions and creative play through the middle. The Blues average over 55% possession and have been prolific in front of goal this season, particularly at Stamford Bridge.
Key Tactical Points:
- Fluid front three with interchanging positions
- High defensive line to compress space
- Quick transitions from defense to attack
- Reliance on Cole Palmer’s creativity
- Width provided by wing-backs
Strengths:
- Attacking firepower and goal-scoring ability
- Strong home record
- Quality in the final third
- Depth in squad despite injuries
Weaknesses:
- Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly without Colwill
- Recent inconsistency in results
- Tendency to concede late goals
- Missing key midfield anchor in Caicedo
Everton’s Approach
David Moyes has instilled defensive discipline and organization into Everton, making them difficult to break down. The Toffees have kept numerous clean sheets and excel at frustrating opponents through compact defensive shape.
Key Tactical Points:
- Deep defensive block with five at the back when under pressure
- Counter-attacking threat through pace on the wings
- Set-piece prowess
- Physical presence in midfield
- Jordan Pickford’s distribution starting attacks
Strengths:
- Defensive solidity (one of the best defensive records)
- Recent momentum and confidence
- Experience and pragmatism under Moyes
- Strong aerial presence
- Quality goalkeeper in Pickford
Weaknesses:
- Limited creativity in the final third
- Poor historical record at Stamford Bridge
- Missing key players in Branthwaite and Coleman
- Struggle to score consistently away from home
Key Battles
Cole Palmer vs Everton’s Defense
Chelsea’s talisman Cole Palmer has been the creative hub of their attack, with 57 shots and 44 chances created this season. His ability to find space between the lines will be crucial against Everton’s compact defensive structure. Palmer could make his 50th Premier League appearance for Chelsea in this match, already boasting an impressive record of 33 goals and 17 assists.
Nicolas Jackson vs James Tarkowski
Jackson will be eager to replicate his previous success against Everton, having scored the winner in the last meeting at Stamford Bridge. His movement and finishing will test Tarkowski’s defensive resolve. Jackson’s recent goal drought (one goal in 13 before scoring in April) was broken against Everton, making this fixture potentially significant for his confidence.
Jack Grealish vs Chelsea’s Defense
Grealish, facing his new team’s London rivals, will be key to Everton’s attacking output. His dribbling ability and vision (4 assists this season) could unlock Chelsea’s defense on the counter-attack. His creativity will be vital given Everton’s limited attacking options with key suspensions.
Midfield Control: Enzo Fernandez vs Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
With Caicedo suspended, Fernandez will need to dominate the midfield battle. Dewsbury-Hall, who has been booked five times this season, will need to balance his aggression with discipline while trying to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm.
What The Managers Said
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea): “We know what Everton bring – they’re organized, disciplined, and have quality. Stamford Bridge needs to be a fortress for us, and we need to show the right mentality after our recent setback. The Champions League race is tight, and every home game is crucial.”
David Moyes (Everton): “Chelsea are a top side with excellent players, but we’ve shown this season that we can compete with anyone. Our defensive work has been outstanding, and if we can maintain that organization and take our chances, we have every opportunity to get a result. The lads are full of confidence after beating Forest.”
Statistical Insights
Chelsea Statistics:
- Average 2.13 goals scored per match this season
- 85.71% of home matches have seen Over 1.5 goals
- 57.14% of home matches have seen Over 2.5 goals
- Strong possession statistics (average 60%+ at home)
- Most shots on target in the league at Stamford Bridge
Everton Statistics:
- Average 1.09 goals scored per match this season
- 64% of matches have been Under 2.5 goals
- Excellent defensive record with multiple clean sheets
- 72.73% of away matches have seen Over 1.5 goals total
- Strong aerial duel success rate
Betting Insights:
- Both teams to score has occurred in just one of the last five meetings
- Chelsea have kept four consecutive clean sheets at home against Everton
- Under 2.5 goals has been a common theme in recent encounters
- Everton have drawn 6 of their last 10 Premier League matches
Where to Watch
United Kingdom:
- Sky Sports Premier League
- Sky Sports Main Event
- Sky Go App
United States:
- NBC Sports
- Peacock Premium
- USA Network
Streaming:
Available via respective broadcaster apps and streaming platforms
Match Predictions & Betting Tips
Form Analysis
Chelsea’s recent wobble has been concerning, particularly the heavy defeat at Leeds. However, their home form remains relatively strong, and they possess the attacking quality to break down most teams at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will be desperate to return to winning ways in front of their home fans.
Everton’s resilience under Moyes has been impressive, with their defensive organization causing problems for top sides. However, their historical struggles at Stamford Bridge cannot be ignored, and their limited attacking output may hinder their ability to take advantage of Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James, Disasi, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Fernandez, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Everton (5-4-1):
Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Keane, Mykolenko; Harrison, Dewsbury-Hall, Mangala, McNeil; Ndiaye
Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Everton
Reasoning:
While Everton have shown defensive resilience, Chelsea’s home advantage and superior attacking quality should prove decisive. The Blues need the three points to keep pace in the top-four race, and Stamford Bridge has been a happy hunting ground against the Toffees.
However, Everton’s recent form and defensive organization suggest they won’t be easily dismissed. Expect a tight affair with Chelsea edging it through quality in key moments, possibly with late drama. Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson will be the difference-makers for the hosts, while Everton may grab a consolation goal on the counter-attack.
Alternative Scorelines:
- Chelsea 1-0 Everton (35% probability)
- Chelsea 2-0 Everton (25% probability)
- 1-1 Draw (20% probability)
Betting Tips
Recommended Bets:
- Chelsea to Win – Best odds around 4/7 (1.57)
- Under 2.5 Goals – Value at 13/10 (2.30) given recent history
- Cole Palmer Anytime Assist – Good value at 5/2 (3.50)
- Everton Goalkeeper Saves Over 4.5 – Historical trend at 13/10 (2.30)
Longshot:
- Nicolas Jackson to score first – 9/2 (5.50)
Final Verdict
This match represents a pivotal moment for both teams. Chelsea must rediscover their winning formula at Stamford Bridge to keep their Champions League aspirations alive, while Everton will look to continue their impressive run under Moyes and prove they can compete with the division’s elite away from home.
Chelsea’s attacking quality and home advantage give them the edge, but Everton’s defensive organization and counter-attacking threat ensure this won’t be a straightforward victory. The Blues’ ability to break down a stubborn Everton defense while managing their own defensive frailties without Colwill and Caicedo will be key.
Expect a tactical chess match with Chelsea’s flair eventually overcoming Everton’s resilience. A narrow Chelsea victory is the most likely outcome, but don’t be surprised if Everton make them work extremely hard for all three points.
Final Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Everton
The Blues to claim a vital three points, but only after a stern test from a well-organized Everton side that will make them earn every inch at Stamford Bridge.
