**Date:** Saturday 17th October 2026
**Venue**: Hill Dickinson Stadium
**Kick-off:** 12:30 BST
Chelsea head to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in today’s early game, and if recent history has taught us anything, it’s that this fixture is about as enjoyable for Chelsea fans as a surprise dentist appointment. Everton may have moved into a state-of-the-art stadium on Liverpool’s waterfront, but they’ve kept their favourite tradition alive: making Chelsea absolutely miserable.
To make matters worse, Everton arrive unbeaten this season.
Yes, unbeaten.
Everton. Unbeaten.
Somewhere, football is having a little laugh at us all.
Meanwhile Chelsea supporters have spent the build-up telling themselves things like “records are there to be broken” and “surely this is the year”. These are the same supporters who have watched enough trips to Merseyside to know exactly how this story usually ends.
On paper, Chelsea have the better squad.
On grass, however, Everton seem to transform into peak PSG whenever Chelsea visit.
Chelsea can arrive with better players, better form, better possession numbers, and enough attacking talent to fill three Champions League teams. Somehow by the final whistle they’re still wondering how they lost 1-0 to a header from somebody who hadn’t scored since the previous government.
Everton fans will point to their unbeaten start.
Chelsea fans will point to Cole Palmer.
Everton fans will point to their home record.
Chelsea fans will then quietly remember the away record.
Conversation over.
**Key Battle**
Chelsea’s quality vs Chelsea’s historical trauma
The football itself might be secondary.
The real contest is whether Chelsea can overcome decades of conditioning that tells every supporter: “Something stupid is about to happen.”
**Predicted Match Timeline**
**0′** Chelsea kick off. Commentators mention the away record within 45 seconds.
**8′** Chelsea dominate possession.
**15′** Everton complete their first attack. Chelsea fans become concerned.
**22′** Cole Palmer produces a piece of magic.
**23′** Jordan Pickford saves it. Naturally.
**35′** Chelsea have 75% possession and the emotional stability of a toddler denied sweets.
**Half-Time**
0-0.
Everton fans are delighted. Chelsea fans are suspicious.
**52′** Everton score from a set piece that appeared to contain seven separate fouls but somehow survives VAR.
**53′** The words “I’ve seen this film before” appear across Chelsea social media.
**65′** Chelsea equalise after relentless pressure. Hope returns. A dangerous development.
**78′** Chelsea miss a glorious chance. Everyone immediately knows what’s coming next.
**84′** Everton hit the post. Chelsea supporters briefly experience cardiac arrest.
**89′** Palmer decides enough is enough and creates something out of nothing.
**90+2′** Chelsea desperately defend long balls launched from every postcode in Merseyside.
**90+7′** Full-time. Nobody enjoyed any part of it.
**MANAGER’S VIEWS**
Going into today’s game, Everton manager, David Moyes, says _“I think their attacking line is incredibly exciting-looking, and I think it’s proved that in different games. I also think that they’ve got some superb defenders as well. But I think they are playing quite an expansive game, which on its day could lead to goals and another day could lead to defeats. Look, I think every time you play Chelsea, anytime I’ve played Chelsea, it’s always been a good game. The difficulty of trying to beat them was always tough.”_
Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, says _“We want to play with good balance and control and create chances. The attacking power we have is fantastic. We need to be maximising that and be more consistent._
_It will be a good atmosphere so we are looking forward to it. I want us to compete. We know what it takes to win Premier League games away \[from home\].”_
**SQUAD NEWS**
For Everton, Vitaliy Mykolenko remains doubtful.
For Chelsea, Jamie Gittens (ankle) is injured, whilst Reece James has just had knee surgery and is out for a few months. Emmanuel Emegha is unavailable after picking up a knock on Thursday.
**TEAMS**
EVERTON (Possible line-up): Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Tarkowski, Keane, Branthwaite; Garner, Armstrong; Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry
CHELSEA (Possible line-up): Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro
**LAST SEASON**
Everton 3-0 Chelsea (21st March 2026)
**CURRENT FORM (PL)**
EVERTON: WDDDWD
CHELSEA: WWLDLW
**OTHER STUFF**
* Chelsea have won just 1 of their last 9 away to Everton
* Chelsea have failed to score in seven of those visits away to Everton
* Moyes has won eight of his past 13 home games against Chelsea (Everton 4, West Ham 4)
* Everton are unbeaten in their first 6 games
* Chelsea have scored five goals in the opening five minutes of Premier League games so far
**PREDICTION**
[Sportsmole](Preview: Everton vs. Chelsea - prediction, team news, lineups - Sports Mole): Everton 2-1 Chelsea