Chelsea vs Everton — Match Preview
A crucial battle for European places takes place at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 13 December 2025. Chelsea sit 5th with 25 points but are in a worrying slump, winless in their last four Premier League games. Everton, the surprise package of the season under Sean Dyche, are just one point behind in 7th (24 points) and arrive in West London with momentum, having won four of their last five. A win for the Toffees would see them leapfrog Chelsea and crack the top 5, heaping immense pressure on the Blues’ management.
Chelsea vs Everton — Match Info
- Competition: Premier League (Matchday 16)
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London (Capacity: 40,341)
- Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025
- Kickoff: 15:00 GMT | 10:00 ET | 20:30 IST
- Referee: Thomas Bramall (ENG)
Chelsea vs Everton — Match Stakes
Chelsea (5th — 25 pts):
- Win → Stabilizes the ship; moves to 28 pts and keeps top 4 in sight
- Draw → Extends winless run to 5; fans likely to turn on the manager
- Loss → Drops out of the top 5; overtaken by Everton and potentially others
Everton (7th — 24 pts):
- Win → Moves to 27 pts; enters the Champions League conversation
- Draw → A solid point away at a “Big Six” rival; keeps momentum
- Loss → Momentum check; gap to Chelsea widens to 4 points
Chelsea vs Everton — Team News
Chelsea:
- Palmer C. — Out (Lacking match fitness – Huge Loss)
- Colwill L. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Lavia R. — Out (Thigh Injury)
- Mudryk M. — Out (Suspended)
- Fofana W. — Questionable (Injury)
Everton:
- Branthwaite J. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Coleman S. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Rohl M. — Out (Groin Injury)
Chelsea vs Everton — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Chelsea
- 10/12 — 1–2 vs Atalanta (UCL)
- 06/12 — 0–0 vs Bournemouth (PL)
- 04/12 — 1–3 vs Leeds (PL)
- 30/11 — 1–1 vs Arsenal (PL)
- 26/11 — 3–0 vs Barcelona (UCL)
Everton
- 06/12 — 3–0 vs Nottingham Forest (PL)
- 03/12 — 1–0 vs Bournemouth (PL)
- 29/11 — 1–4 vs Newcastle (PL)
- 25/11 — 1–0 vs Manchester Utd (PL)
- 08/11 — 2–0 vs Fulham (PL)
Chelsea vs Everton — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 26/04/2025 — Chelsea 1–0 Everton (PL)
- 22/12/2024 — Everton 0–0 Chelsea (PL)
- 16/04/2024 — Chelsea 6–0 Everton (PL)
- 10/12/2023 — Everton 2–0 Chelsea (PL)
- 18/03/2023 — Chelsea 2–2 Everton (PL)
Chelsea vs Everton — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Nkunku, Neto; Jackson
Everton (4-4-1-1)
Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Gueye, McNeil; Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
Chelsea vs Everton — Impact Bench
Chelsea: Felix (Creative spark), Gusto (Energy on flank)
Everton: Beto (Physical chaos), Lindstrom (Counter-attack speed)
Chelsea vs Everton — Tactical Analysis
Chelsea
Without Cole Palmer, Chelsea lack their primary creative hub. Enzo Maresca will rely on Christopher Nkunku to drop into the #10 space to link play. However, their defensive fragility (conceding 6 goals in the last 3 games) is the main concern. They struggle against physical teams that defend deep and counter—exactly Everton’s profile.
Everton
Sean Dyche will set up a compact 4-4-1-1 block to frustrate Chelsea. They will target Chelsea’s full-backs, particularly looking for Dwight McNeil’s delivery to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Without Branthwaite, Tarkowski must lead the backline perfectly. Everton’s transition game is lethal right now, and they will look to exploit the space left by Caicedo pushing forward.
Chelsea vs Everton — Key Battles
- Jackson vs Tarkowski — pace vs physical dominance
- Caicedo vs Ndiaye — stopping the transition key
- Cucurella vs Harrison — battle of the flank
- Sanchez vs Calvert-Lewin — aerial bombardment expected
Chelsea vs Everton — Spotlight Players
Chelsea — Christopher Nkunku
With Palmer out and Mudryk suspended, the creative burden falls entirely on the Frenchman. He must find pockets of space in Everton’s rigid block to unlock the door.
Everton — Iliman Ndiaye
The playmaker has been a revelation this season. His ability to carry the ball and win fouls relieves pressure and starts attacks. If he ticks, Everton win.
Chelsea vs Everton — Prediction
Chelsea 1–1 Everton
Chelsea are low on confidence and missing their best player (Palmer). Everton are organized, physical, and highly motivated. While Stamford Bridge provides an edge, Everton’s current form suggests they are more than capable of taking a point.
Chelsea vs Everton — Betting Insights
- Double Chance — Everton or Draw (Value bet)
- Under 2.5 Goals — Likely (Dyche will park the bus)
- Cards Over 4.5 — Yes (Physical midfield battle)
Chelsea vs Everton — Where to Watch
- UK: Not broadcast live (Saturday 3pm Blackout)
- USA: Peacock
- International: Optus Sport (Aus), Fubo (Canada), DAZN (Spain)
Chelsea vs Everton — FAQs
Q: When is the Chelsea vs Everton match?
A: The match kicks off on Saturday, 13 December 2025, at 15:00 GMT.
Q: Is Cole Palmer playing for Chelsea?
A: No. Cole Palmer is ruled out due to a lack of match fitness.
Q: Can I watch Chelsea vs Everton on TV in the UK?
A: No. The match falls under the Saturday 3pm blackout rule and will not be broadcast live in the UK.
Q: Who is the referee?
A: Thomas Bramall will officiate the match.
Q: Is Jarrad Branthwaite available for Everton?
A: No. He is out with a hamstring injury.
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