Everton prepare to host a struggling Chelsea side in the English Premier League on Saturday as both teams look to bounce back to winning ways.
The hosts are coming off a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Arsenal in their last outing, leaving them in eighth place with 43 points. With eight games to go, their dream of European football remains alive.
Chelsea on the other hand dropped into sixth place with 48 points after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last weekend. Liam Rosenior’s side have only managed one league win in their last five games.
The Blues come into this game on a three-match losing streak, including an embarrassing 8-2 defeat to PSG in the Champions League knockout round. The desperation continues to increase with pressure on coach Rosenior to deliver a win and qualify for European football next season.
Everton are looking to finally get one over their opponents after losing the reverse fixture 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto were both on target in the match.
Can the Toffees get a first win in three years against the Blues or will Rosenior’s charges complete the league double over their opponents? We have a look at the key stats and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Everton vs Chelsea start?
The game kicks off at 8:30PM E.A.T
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Everton vs Chelsea team news
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye were off their usual high quality selves but are expected to retain their spots in the hosts starting line-up.
Thierno Barry only came off the bench against Arsenal but will start here, with Beto expected to drop to the bench.
The rest of the side will be the exact same to the XI who started against Arsenal.
Rosenior is expected to make a couple of changes as he looks to guide his side to a win after three straight defeats. Robert Sanchez will start in goal.
Jorrel Hato showed promise off the bench and could start in the heart of defense, taking the place of Wesley Fofana. Trevor Chalobah will retain his place alongside Hato.
Alejandro Garnacho will also return to the starting XI, with Liam Delap and Romeo Latvia settling for places on the bench.
Palmer should retain his spot with top scorer Joao Pedro leading the attacking line.
Everton vs Chelsea head-to-head and current form
Chelsea have only lost once against Everton in their recent five head-to-head matches, winning three times and sharing the spoils in a barren draw in 2024.
Aside from a 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa earlier in the month, only an extra-time 4-2 win against Wrexham in the FA Cup is the only wins for the Blues. They have lost their last three consecutive games – conceding nine times in the process.
Everton also have three defeats in a similar number of matches – with crucial wins against Newcastle and Burnley in between.
Everton vs Chelsea previous games
Everton vs Chelsea prediction
Historically, Chelsea have proved to be the more superior side but are currently going through the worst run of form for any team in the top six. This may play a huge part in this game.
They travel to an Everton side who have struggled in front of their home fans this season – winning once in their last five games at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Prediction – Over 1.5 goals – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
