Everton at Chelsea: Preview, Predictions and Lineups
Score808 - Everton travels south to Stamford Bridge this weekend to face Chelsea, carrying a wave of confidence built on a remarkable run of form. Following a resounding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, the Toffees have climbed to an impressive seventh place after 15 games, securing their fourth win in the last five league outings.
This surge has inevitably sparked speculation among fans about a potential push for European qualification, a dream that will be sternly tested by their upcoming fixtures, starting with a clash against Chelsea—a ground where they have not tasted victory since 1994.
Under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, despite finishing fourth and securing Champions League football last season, has been erratic this term. They are currently placed fifth in the Premier League, one point ahead of Everton, but their form has been notably inconsistent. While they boast commendable wins against Liverpool and Tottenham, they have suffered surprising defeats, including a home loss to Sunderland. Their recent form is concerning, heading into this match without a win in their last four games, compounded by a 2-1 midweek defeat to Atalanta in Europe.
Chelsea’s recruitment policy under BlueCo has focused heavily on young talent, exemplified by the €339 million spent this summer. Signings like João Pedro (€63.7m), Alejandro Garnacho (€46.2m), and Jamie Gittens (€56m) have injected pace into the attack. Their ability to almost break even by generating €332.3m in sales, including the departures of Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku, underscores their high-volume transfer model.
Maresca, a disciple of Pep Guardiola, employs a ball-control philosophy, typically lining up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. The system relies on inverted fullbacks and the isolation of pacy wingers against opposing defenders. While the Londoners rank second in the league for possession (59%) and possess a high pass completion rate (86.3%), their reliance on low-tempo probing and sideways passing can often frustrate the home faithful. Offensively, they are solid, scoring 25 goals from an xG of 24.7, and boast the league’s third-best defensive record, allowing a stingy 10.0 attempts per 90 minutes.
Chelsea's midfield is formidable but weakened by the absence of two key players: Romeo Lavia remains sidelined with fitness issues, and Moises Caicedo is suspended, a significant loss given his defensive quality. The return of Cole Palmer from injury is a boost, though his match fitness is questionable. João Pedro is likely to lead the line as a supporting striker, flanked by strong wing options like Garnacho and the team's top scorer, Pedro Neto.
Everton boss David Moyes will be bolstered by the return of Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam from suspension. Gueye is expected to partner James Garner in midfield, offering vital defensive steel. Recognizing Chelsea’s pace, Everton is expected to adopt a deep-sitting, disciplined defensive shape aimed at inviting pressure before hitting on the counter-attack, perhaps with targeted high presses to force errors in the middle third.
Despite Everton's excellent recent form, the historical baggage of the Stamford Bridge curse and Chelsea's undeniable talent make a win a tough ask. However, the visitors' current momentum, combined with Chelsea’s inconsistency and key midfield absences, suggests a narrow contest. The game is likely to be a tight battle where solid defense will be prioritized.
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Santos, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
Everton possible starting lineup: Pickford; O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry
Predicted Score: Chelsea 1-1 Everton
