Chelsea vs Everton: Premier League Preview

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Chelsea extended their unbeaten league run to four games last weekend in dramatic fashion. Enzo Maresca’s side came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Fulham, with late goals from Tyrique George and Pedro Neto. While the performance drew criticism from fans, the result kept them firmly in the hunt for European qualification.

The win came just days before Manchester City’s triumph over Aston Villa — a result that helped Chelsea maintain sixth place. But with a daunting run-in that includes clashes with Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester United, this home game against Everton is a must-win if they are to stay in touch with the top five.

For Everton, recent weeks have been a mixed bag. A nine-match unbeaten run under Moyes gave way to a more challenging patch — with only four points taken from their last four outings. However, three of those games were against top-four sides, including a 2-0 loss to Man City last weekend.

Despite that, Everton have remained hard to beat, drawing more games (14) than any other Premier League club. They sit 13th heading into the weekend, safely above the relegation zone, though still seeking consistency.

Head-to-Head Record

Chelsea hold a remarkable record against Everton at Stamford Bridge, going unbeaten in their last 29 home league games against the Toffees — the club’s longest-ever home unbeaten streak versus a single opponent.

The Blues famously thrashed Everton 6-0 in this fixture last season, with Cole Palmer scoring four times — the first player to do so against the Merseysiders in the 21st century.

However, in the reverse fixture just before Christmas, Everton held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw — a result that prevented Maresca’s side from briefly going top of the table. That night now feels like a distant memory for both sides.

Team News

Chelsea

• Out: Malo Gusto (muscular), Wesley Fofana (long-term)
• Doubtful: None reported
• Manager Absence: Enzo Maresca (touchline ban)

Youngster Tyrique George could be handed a league start after his match-winning performance last week. Despite Chelsea’s looming UEFA Conference League semi-final on Thursday, Maresca is expected to field a strong XI here, with Cole Palmer — despite a 16-game goal drought — still key to the attack.

Everton

• Out: James Tarkowski (hamstring), Armando Broja (ineligible vs parent club), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (injury)
• Doubtful: None confirmed

Tarkowski’s absence is a major blow, with Moyes expected to reshuffle his defence — potentially moving Jake O'Brien centrally. Up front, Beto should lead the line in the absence of Broja and Calvert-Lewin.

Key Stats

• Unbeaten Run: Chelsea are unbeaten at home in league matches against teams currently 10th or lower (W7, D2).
• Stalemate Kings: Everton have drawn 14 of their 32 league matches — the most in the division.
• Hot Streak: Chelsea have scored at least two goals in eight of their last 11 league games.
• Goal Drought: Only four of Everton’s 16 away games have featured over 2.5 goals — the lowest figure in the Premier League.

Players to Watch:

• Pedro Neto (Chelsea) – Scored a dramatic winner last weekend and has a strong record against bottom-half sides.
• Jordan Pickford (Everton) – Has kept seven career clean sheets against Chelsea, more than against any other team.