Everton welcome Chelsea to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday evening in a Premier League clash that could shape both sides’ European ambitions.
Chelsea arrive under pressure after a difficult run of results, while Everton will look to make home advantage count and bounce back from a narrow defeat last time out.
It has been a turbulent week for Chelsea. A 1-0 league loss to Newcastle United was followed by a heavy Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, where they were beaten 8-2 on aggregate. The 3-0 defeat in the second leg summed up their struggles, particularly at the back.
Manager Liam Rosenior is beginning to feel the pressure, with his side managing just four wins in their last 11 matches across all competitions. In the Premier League, their inconsistency has seen them slip to sixth, although they remain within touching distance of the top four.
Defensive issues continue to plague the Blues. Since keeping a clean sheet in Rosenior’s first league game in charge, they have conceded in eight straight league fixtures. With tough games against top rivals coming up, this trip to Merseyside feels crucial.
Everton, meanwhile, have shown signs of progress under David Moyes. Back-to-back wins over Newcastle and Burnley had raised hopes, but their momentum was halted by a late 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, where they conceded twice in stoppage time.
Despite that setback, Everton sit eighth and remain firmly in the race for European qualification. However, their home form has been a concern. They have won just one of their last seven league games at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which could give Chelsea encouragement.
Historically, Everton have had the upper hand in this fixture at home, losing just one of their last eight league meetings against Chelsea on their own turf. However, goals have often been hard to come by for the Toffees in this matchup, having failed to score in several recent encounters.
Team News
Everton are dealing with a few injury concerns. Jack Grealish and Carlos Alcaraz are ruled out, while loanee Tyrique George cannot face his parent club. There is some hope that James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite could return to the squad.Midfielder James Garner may be deployed in a deeper role alongside Idrissa Gueye, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is expected to feature in an advanced position. Up front, Thierno Barry is pushing to start ahead of Beto.
Chelsea’s injury list is also growing. Trevoh Chalobah is sidelined after a recent injury, joining Reece James, Filip Jorgensen and Levi Colwill on the treatment table. Fitness checks will be needed for Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile.
At the back, Wesley Fofana is expected to step in, while Joao Pedro—in strong away form—should lead the attack. Cole Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho are among those competing for attacking roles.
Possible Lineups
Everton:Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Barry
Chelsea:
Sanchez; Acheampong, Sarr, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Pedro
Expert Prediction
Everton 1-1 Chelsea
