Everton are back in Premier League action this weekend as they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
David Moyes’ side defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the weekend, making it four wins from their last five games.
So, Everton will be full of confidence taking on Enzo Maresca’s side, who haven’t won in their last three games.
Another win for the Toffees would move them above Chelsea and potentially into the Champions League spots, quite remarkably.
Moyes could make a couple of changes for the clash, and it’s more than likely that we’ll see Tyler Dibling get some minutes after the Scotsman dropped a hint.
Everton winger Tyler DIbling.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Why Everton’s Tyler Dibling is expected to play vs Chelsea
Last month, Moyes revealed his plan for Dibling, as he explained the teenager will get a lot more opportunities during the festive period.
That’s because Iliman Ndiaye is set to depart for AFCON, with the Chelsea game his final outing before jetting off with Senegal.
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“We’re hopefully going to try and get Tyler ready,” Moyes said in November.
“Nobody’s really talking about how we’re going to lose Ili mid-December, and there’ll be opportunities that arise for players (then) and we’ll see what comes around at that time.
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A overview of Tyler Dibling's 2025/26 Premier League stats for Everton.
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Indeed, Ndiaye is expected to start at Stamford Bridge, however, Dibling will surely get a decent amount of minutes off the bench as Moyes will want to prepare him to start against Arsenal the following week.
The Scotsman won’t want him coming in from a standing start against the Gunners, so finally we will see a lot more of the £40m summer signing over this next month, or so.
Everton coaches are convinced Tyler Dibling will succeed at Everton
Tony Hibbert recently said Moyes needs convincing on younger players, so Dibling’s lack of minutes isn’t necessarily down to his talent or application in training.
“Moyes needs convincing a lot on younger players. It’s a confidence thing. Dibling just needs to be patient, he’s got the talent and he has got a great career ahead of him, his time will come with the manager.”
Coaches around Finch Farm are still convinced Dibling will succeed and have been surprised by his lack of game time.
So, it certainly seems as though he’s doing all the right things in training, it’s just about waiting for the right opportunity, which will be when Ndiaye leaves for international duty.
If Dibling impresses in Ndiaye’s absence, perhaps he’ll remain in the team and the Senegal star can move back into his favoured role at number 10.
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