Chelsea against Everton: Maresca must break the jinx against Charity FC.

This Saturday, when Everton visit Stamford Bridge, Chelsea need to leave their generosity outside the stands – where the holiday donation boxes are filling up – to put an end to the "Charity FC" moniker on the pitch. December history is often against the Blues, and Enzo Maresca enters the match forced to reverse that momentum.

The December Curse and the Name Charity FC

In the last 20 years, Chelsea have only won all their December matches twice (in the 2005-06 season under Jose Mourinho and the 2016-17 season under Antonio Conte). The common thread: they both went on to win the league title. In contrast, in the last seven seasons, Chelsea have only collected 57 out of a possible 108 points in December (52.8%), a modest figure compared to Manchester City's 73 points during the same period.

Those statistics explain why the nickname "Charity FC" from the online community has become a nightmare: December often sees The Blues "giving away" points to opponents desperate for them.

From a period of exhilaration to a downturn in early December.

In the 2025-2026 season, Chelsea ended November with a 3-0 victory over Barcelona and a draw against Arsenal while playing with ten men. But in December, the positive momentum broke: a 1-3 defeat to Leeds, a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, and a 1-2 loss to Atalanta.

With Nicolas Jackson currently on loan at Bayern Munich and unwilling to return, the burden of scoring goals and creating chances becomes more precarious when rotating the squad.

Maresca's rotation and tactical questions

Enzo Maresca called the team's goal during this busy fixture period "survival," as the European Cup has forced a cycle of one match every three days. Against Atalanta, the Italian strategist fielded an unusual lineup: right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto were pushed into the center of the pitch, while Jamie Gittens played on the opposite wing. This arrangement raises questions about structural stability and pressing rhythm, especially when Chelsea need to control risk to avoid losing control of the game during this crucial period of the month.

Cole Palmer leverage and Caicedo gap

Positive news: Cole Palmer returns after missing Italy to focus on fitness recovery and is expected to start in the number 10 role against Everton. This is a crucial addition as Moises Caicedo is still serving his final game suspension.

Maresca provided an update on his player's condition: "Cole is better and is now available to play. However, he finished yesterday's training session feeling somewhat uncomfortable, but overall he's fine." With the attacking tempo slowing down, a fit Palmer is key to restoring continuity between the lines and improving quality in the final third.

David Moyes' Everton: a test of physical fitness and tackling style.

David Moyes' Everton boasted the highest win rate in duels – a sign that they were willing to turn the game into a physical battle. For Chelsea, that meant: increased intensity, decisiveness in the first three touches, and avoiding turnovers in their own half that could trigger counter-attacks from the opposition.

In a turbulent December, the "ruthlessness"—the very thing that helped Chelsea win the league in two consecutive December seasons—needs to be restored. The Blues have been too generous this month; if they don't want their top-four dreams to slip away, the 90 minutes against The Toffees must be an exception.

Stamford Bridge Corner: Kindness in the Right Place

Chelsea's philanthropic tradition endures: from warm blankets and thick socks to winter coats, fans donate before Christmas. Last year, over 3,600 items were sent to a collection point outside Stamford Bridge – including some of Gary Cahill's old coats. This Saturday marks the final day of this year's donation drive. The Blues' supporters hope that this generosity will stop at the donation boxes, rather than following the team through the ticket gates into the stadium.

The outstanding figures

• They only had two consecutive December wins in 20 years (2005-06, 2016-17) – winning the championship in both seasons.
• 57/108 points in December over the last 7 seasons (52.8%).
• Man City earned 73 points during the same period.
• The run of results in early December this season: lost 1-3 to Leeds, drew 0-0 with Bournemouth, lost 1-2 to Atalanta.
• Cole Palmer returns, Moises Caicedo completes his suspension for this match.

It's time for Chelsea to close the "charity door" – at least for 90 minutes – and rewrite their own December story.