Chelsea's Enzo Maresca with Everton's David Moyes split image
Credit: Imago
Tom Griffin
Fri 12 December 2025 12:40, UK
Everton are preparing for a Premier League showdown against Chelsea on Saturday, and what Enzo Maresca just confirmed won’t please supporters.
Heading into the clash at Stamford Bridge, only one point separates fifth-place Chelsea from the seventh-place Toffees, with David Moyes’ men looking to continue their recent purple patch.
Everton can win three away matches in a row without conceding for the first time since 2008, following victories over Manchester United and Bournemouth.
Against a Chelsea team who are winless in four matches, the visitors will fancy their chances of ending that 17-year hoodoo, although one piece of news will offer discouragement.
Cole Palmer in action for Chelsea
Credit: Imago
Cole Palmer is available for Chelsea vs Everton
In Iliman Ndiaye’s last game before heading to AFCON, Cole Palmer could also continue in the starting lineup after recently returning from injury.
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Palmer missed Chelsea training on Monday and their subsequent Champions League defeat to Atalanta in midweek, but that was part of an integrated return to action, and the 23-year-old is available for the showdown with Everton.
“He’s available [Cole Palmer],” Maresca confirmed in Friday’s press conference. “He finished the session with us yesterday with a mixed feeling, but he’s okay. Wes is fine. He completed the session yesterday. He’s fine.”
The Englishman has played 87 minutes since suffering a fractured toe, starting the goalless draw against Bournemouth, and his potential inclusion is bad news for Everton.
Palmer’s deadly record vs Everton
A fully fit Palmer can make the difference against any team, and the Toffees have experienced the wrath of his left foot.
Cole Palmer’s record vs Premier League clubs Games / Goals
Brighton 8 games / 5 goals
Leicester City 2 games / 5 goals
Manchester United 6 games / 4 goals
Burnley 6 games / 4 goals
Everton 5 games / 4 goals
The former Manchester City starlet has four goals in five appearances in this fixture, although all four of them did come in a 6-0 hammering during the 2023/24 campaign.
Palmer didn’t score in either fixture last term, but after an extended rest following the draw at Bournemouth, he will be licking his lips at the chance to score only his third goal in 2025/26.
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