Chelsea vs Everton: A test of character at Stamford Bridge.

At 10:00 PM on December 13, 2025 (Vietnam time), Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge needing a win. Three consecutive matches without a victory and a 1-2 defeat against Atalanta midweek have put Enzo Maresca's team in a desperate situation. Facing them is Everton, who are in excellent form with four wins in their last five matches, keeping a clean sheet in that run.

Match information

With contrasting form, the pressure is on Chelsea.

In the Premier League, Chelsea have dropped to fifth place after losing to Leeds and drawing 0-0 with Bournemouth. A worrying sign: The Blues have dropped eight points at home after taking the lead this season – a problem with managing momentum and maintaining advantage.

In contrast, David Moyes' Everton are steadily accumulating points. Their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest lifted them to seventh place, just two points behind the top four. Notably, they recently secured two consecutive home wins against Manchester United and Bournemouth, providing a significant morale boost.

Head-to-head statistics: Breaking the jinx or extending it?

History strongly favors Chelsea: unbeaten in their last 30 home matches against Everton at Stamford Bridge in the top flight (17 wins, 13 draws) – their longest home run against a single opponent. For manager David Moyes, 20 trips to Stamford Bridge have yet to yield a victory (7 draws, 13 defeats).

Tactics and hotspots

Maresca is likely to continue focusing on ball control, stretching Everton's defensive structure with the speed and mobility of Estevao and Alejandro Garnacho on the flanks. Cole Palmer – returning to the starting lineup – is key to linking the lines and advancing the ball into the half-spaces, where Chelsea can create a man advantage.

The risk lies in the transitions between attacking and defensive phases. With Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish, Everton have the speed and skill to punish any disconnects when Chelsea push forward. The midfield is a hot spot: Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos will have to contend with the stamina and tackling ability of Idrissa Gueye and James Garner. If Chelsea don't shut down this area, Everton's counter-attacks will have a clear advantage.

In set-piece situations – a specialty of teams managed by David Moyes – Everton are always ready to exploit moments of lapses in concentration. This is a direct test of the organization and discipline of the Chelsea defense.

Force: The millstone in the middle of the yard

Chelsea will be without Moises Caicedo (suspended, final game) – a direct blow to midfield. The injury list includes Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo; Mykhaylo Mudryk remains suspended for doping. However, Cole Palmer is available to lead the attack, while Estevao and Alejandro Garnacho return.

Everton are without Seamus Coleman, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Merlin Rohl due to injury. The return of Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam after suspensions gives Moyes more options in midfield. Thierno Barry is expected to recover from a minor shoulder injury in time to start.

Predicted lineup

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Santos, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.

Everton (4-2-3-1):Pickford; O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.

The trigger and the key

Cole Palmer (Chelsea):His creativity and finishing ability were key to breaking down Everton's tight defense.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton):With 3 goals in his last 4 games, his ability to penetrate the penalty area and his familiarity with Chelsea make him a threat from the midfield.

Assessment

Chelsea have home advantage and history on their side, but Everton possess a solid defensive foundation and are in high spirits. Given that The Blues are still struggling to maintain their lead, a draw wouldn't be an unexpected outcome.

Predicted score: Chelsea 1-1 Everton

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