Chelsea head into their Premier League clash with Everton on Sunday as clear favorites.
However, Everton’s recent home record against the Blues suggests this could be a challenging encounter for Enzo Maresca’s high-flying side. With both teams having much to prove, this match at Goodison Park promises to be a fascinating contest.
Everton vs. Chelsea: Key Insights
- Chelsea’s Win Probability: 54.0%
- Everton’s Win Probability: 23.5%
- Draw Probability: 22.5%
While Chelsea are the favorites, Everton’s impressive home form and defensive resilience make this far from a foregone conclusion.
Everton’s Home Form: A Fortress in Progress
Everton have turned Goodison Park into a challenging venue for visitors:
- After losing their first two home games of the season (conceding six goals), Everton have gone five matches unbeaten at home.
- They’ve kept three clean sheets in that run and conceded just two goals.
- Everton have recorded four goalless draws this season, their most since the 2015-16 campaign.
Sean Dyche’s team has proven difficult to break down, with only Liverpool (7) managing more clean sheets than Everton’s six.
Chelsea’s Dominance: A Team in Red-Hot Form
Chelsea have been a force to be reckoned with this season:
- They’ve scored more goals (37) and earned more points (49) since May than any other Premier League side.
- The Blues have won five consecutive league matches and will aim to make it six for the first time since November 2019.
- Chelsea’s away record is unmatched, with 6 wins, 19 points, and 23 goals scored in eight games—third-highest away goals in Premier League history after this many matches.
Head-to-Head: Everton’s Edge at Goodison
Everton have enjoyed success against Chelsea at home:
- The Toffees have won five of their last six home league games against the Blues.
- Chelsea’s only win at Goodison in that span was a narrow 1-0 victory in August 2022.
- However, Chelsea thrashed Everton 6-0 in April in their most recent encounter, with Cole Palmer scoring four goals.
Players to Watch
Everton
- Jordan Pickford: His shot-stopping ability will be critical in keeping Chelsea’s potent attack at bay.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Everton’s best chance of breaking Chelsea’s defense lies with their striker’s ability to hold up play and convert chances.
Chelsea
- Cole Palmer: The league’s most creative force this season, with 57 shots and 44 chances created. Palmer is on the brink of his 50th Premier League game, with 33 goals and 17 assists already.
- Raheem Sterling: The winger’s pace and ability to exploit defensive gaps will be key against Everton’s backline.
6. Team News
Everton
- Out: James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, Dwight McNeil (knee injury).
- Unavailable: Armando Broja (parent club), Youssef Chermiti (not match-ready).
Chelsea
- Suspended: Marc Cucurella, Mykhailo Mudryk (provisional suspension).
- Injured: Reece James, Wesley Fofana.
- Doubtful: Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell.
- Returning: Pedro Neto (after suspension).
7. Prediction
Despite Everton’s resilience at home, Chelsea’s firepower and current form make them the likely winners. The Opta supercomputer gives the Blues a 54.0% chance of victory, while Everton’s chances stand at 23.5%, with a 22.5% probability of a draw.
Predicted Score: Everton 0-2 Chelsea
Chelsea’s attacking depth and clinical finishing should be enough to overcome Everton’s defensive solidity.
Everton vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups
8. What’s at Stake?
Chelsea
- A win would mark their sixth consecutive league victory and reinforce their title-challenging credentials.
- Chelsea are guaranteed to remain in the top two at Christmas, a position they’ve converted into titles on five previous occasions.
Everton
- Currently 16th, Everton need points to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
- A result against Chelsea would further solidify their improved home form and boost confidence.
9. Conclusion
Everton vs. Chelsea at Goodison Park is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter. While Chelsea’s form and attacking prowess make them favorites, Everton’s resilience at home and solid defensive record could pose problems for the visitors. This match will test Chelsea’s title ambitions and Everton’s ability to stand firm against one of the league’s top sides.
FAQs
- What time is Everton vs. Chelsea?
The match kicks off at 2:00 PM (GMT) on Sunday at Goodison Park. - Who is the favorite to win?
Chelsea are the favorites with a 54.0% chance of victory, according to the Opta supercomputer. - What is Chelsea’s recent form?
Chelsea have won five consecutive Premier League matches and lead the league in goals scored since May. - How has Everton performed at home?
Everton are unbeaten in their last five home games, with three clean sheets during that run. - Who are the key players to watch?
Cole Palmer for Chelsea and Jordan Pickford for Everton are expected to play pivotal roles.
