Everton will host Chelsea at Goodison Park in what promises to be a compelling Premier League clash. Historically, Everton have enjoyed strong home form against the Blues, winning five of their last six league meetings on Merseyside.
Despite Chelsea's superior overall form this season, Sean Dyche’s side have shown defensive resilience on home turf and will be eager to frustrate their high-flying visitors.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, come into this fixture as favourites, backed by a 54% win probability (according to the Opta supercomputer). The Blues have been prolific in front of goal, but Goodison Park has proven a difficult ground for them in recent seasons.
With Everton fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone and Chelsea aiming to keep up the pace in the title race, this encounter could be a tightly contested affair.
Everton Recent Form
-------------------
Everton's home form has shown significant improvement since their shaky start to the season. After losing their first two home matches, conceding three goals in each, they’ve gone unbeaten in their last five at Goodison Park (2 wins, 3 draws).
Sean Dyche's men have proven resilient defensively, keeping three clean sheets and conceding only twice during this stretch. Their defensive solidity is highlighted by their six clean sheets this season, second only to, ironically...Liverpool.
Injury and Team News
--------------------
Everton will be without James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam. Dwight McNeil missed the last match against Arsenal due to a knee injury and remains doubtful. Youssef Chermiti is also unlikely to feature.
Last Everton Lineup
-------------------
Here is how the team lined up for their last match:
Chelsea Recent Form
-------------------
Chelsea come into this fixture in excellent form, winning five consecutive Premier League matches. Since the start of May, no team has scored more goals (51), won more matches (15), or earned more points (49) than the Blues.
On the road, they are the best-performing team this season, with six away wins and 23 goals scored in just eight away matches.
Injury and Team News
--------------------
Chelsea are missing Marc Cucurella (suspension) and Mykhailo Mudryk (provisional suspension). Reece James and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined through injury, while the availability of Benoît Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Ben Chilwell remains uncertain.
Last Chelsea Lineup
-------------------
Here is how the team lined up for their last match:
Everton vs Chelsea - Who is the Referee and VAR?
------------------------------------------------
Here are the confirmed officials for the match:
**Referee:** Chris Kavanagh.
**Assistants:** Richard West, Tim Wood.
**Fourth official:** Tom Bramall.
**VAR:** Graham Scott.
**Assistant VAR:** Scott Ledger.
Everton Player to Watch
-----------------------
**Dominic Calvert-Lewin** will be key for the Toffees. His aerial prowess and physicality can trouble Chelsea's defence, especially on set-pieces.
Chelsea Player to Watch
-----------------------
**Cole Palmer** has been Chelsea's standout performer. He has contributed significantly with goals and assists and remains the creative heartbeat of the team.
Prediction
----------
Despite Everton’s solid home record against Chelsea, the Blues' current form and attacking threat give them the edge. Expect a tightly contested match, but Chelsea might narrowly prevail.
**Our Prediction: 1-2 to Chelsea**
Betting Tips
------------
### Tip 1
**Chelsea to Win** - Based on their strong away form and the Opta prediction of a 54.0% chance of victory.
### Tip 2
**Both Teams to Score** - Everton have been resilient at home, and Chelsea’s defence has shown vulnerabilities.
### Tip 3
**Cole Palmer to Score or Assist** - Given his involvement in over 100 goal attempts this season, Palmer is a reliable bet for a goal contribution.