2025/26 Premier League MW16 Chelsea vs. Everton Preview: Can the Blues cool down the red-hot Toffees? December 11, 2025 by Marc Jerbs
Get ready for an exciting Premier League encounter! On Saturday, December 13, at 3:00 PM GMT, Stamford Bridge sets the stage for a crucial Matchweek 16 clash between Chelsea and Everton. Both sides are pushing hard for European qualification, and this matchup could have a major impact on the standings as the season reaches its midpoint.
Current Standings and Form
Chelsea currently occupies 5th place in the Premier League with 25 points, while Everton trails just behind in 7th with 24 points. The Blues have struggled for consistency lately, taking only one point from their last two league outings and going winless in their past four matches across all competitions. A 3-1 loss at Leeds, a home draw with Bournemouth, and a midweek defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League have left Mauricio Pochettino's side searching for a spark.
Everton, on the other hand, have found their rhythm — winning four of their last five Premier League games, all with clean sheets. Their impressive run includes back-to-back away victories over Manchester United and Bournemouth (both 1-0) and a dominant 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, a performance brimming with confidence. With 7 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, the Toffees sit just two points shy of the top four.
Team News and Key Players
Chelsea faces several absences: Liam Delap (shoulder), Moises Caicedo and Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspensions), Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo (thigh injuries), and Levi Colwill (ACL). However, Cole Palmer's return provides a much-needed boost; his creativity and composure in front of goal make him Chelsea's main threat. Pedro Neto (7 goal involvements) and Alejandro Garnacho (3) will also play key roles in attack.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Neto, Pedro, Garnacho; Palmer.
For Everton, Thierno Barry (shoulder) remains doubtful, but Idrissa Gueye is back from suspension. Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman, and Merlin Rohl are sidelined. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall leads the team in goals (4) and assists (2), while Jack Grealish has rediscovered his spark with four assists of his own. Barry could again be a difference-maker if fit.
Predicted Everton XI: Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner; Dewsbury-Hall, Gueye, Ndiaye; Grealish, Alcaraz; Beto.
Chelsea vs. Everton Sports Bet Odds
The Citizens are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:
- The Citizens are favored by a point, with a full-time result of 1.65.
- The Black Cats are the underdogs by a point, with a full-time result of 3.75.
- Draw has a full-time result of 5.50.
- Total is set at 2.5 goals, with the Under at 1.90 and the Over at 1.90.
Head-to-Head and Historical Trends
Chelsea boasts a formidable home record against Everton — unbeaten in their last 30 home meetings across all competitions. The Toffees have never won at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League era and have been outscored 7-0 on aggregate in their last two visits.
Recent results:
- Chelsea 1-0 Everton (Apr 26, 2025)
- Everton 0-0 Chelsea (Dec 22, 2024)
- Chelsea 6-0 Everton (Apr 15, 2024)
Tactical Plays
This matchup is expected to be a tactical chess game between Mauricio Pochettino's possession-oriented structure and Sean Dyche's compact counter-attacking system.
Chelsea's Tactical Blueprint:
Pochettino will likely set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Reece James and Marc Cucurella providing attacking width from full-back positions. Expect Enzo Fernandez to dictate the tempo from deep midfield, while Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho stretch the flanks to isolate Everton's full-backs. Cole Palmer, operating as a false nine or advanced playmaker, will look to exploit spaces between Everton's defensive and midfield lines.
- Key emphasis: Fast combinations in central areas and overloads on the right flank with James and Neto.
- Potential weakness: Chelsea's transitional defense has been vulnerable; Everton may exploit gaps when Fernandez pushes forward.
Everton's Tactical Setup:
Dyche will likely deploy a 4-4-1-1 shape, focused on compactness, aerial strength, and direct transitions. Idrissa Gueye and Dewsbury-Hall will be vital in disrupting Chelsea's build-up play, while Jack Grealish and Ndiaye will look to break forward quickly on the wings. Expect Beto to serve as the physical outlet, holding up play and drawing fouls to relieve pressure.
- Key emphasis: Mid-block defensive discipline and quick counter-attacks through Grealish's creativity.
- Potential weakness: Everton's full-backs could struggle against Chelsea's overlapping runs, especially on the right side.
Midfield Battle:
This game will likely be decided in midfield. If Chelsea can dominate possession and control the tempo through Fernandez, they can pin Everton back and open spaces behind the defense. Conversely, if Everton can win second balls and launch fast counters through Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall, they could catch Chelsea's high line off guard.
Set-Piece Importance:
Both teams are strong in dead-ball situations. Chelsea's delivery from Palmer and James offers aerial threats through Fofana and Chalobah, while Everton's Tarkowski and Keane are formidable targets on corners and free-kicks.
Final Thought
This is not just a clash of form - it is a tactical battle between two managers with opposing philosophies. Chelsea will look to dominate through fluid movement and creative interplay, while Everton will rely on discipline, resilience, and well-timed counters. Whichever side wins the midfield and transition duels could take a decisive step toward securing European football.
2025/26 Premier League Table
| # | CLUB | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 10 | 3 | 2 | 33 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 10 | 1 | 4 | 31 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 9 | 3 | 3 | 30 |
| 4 | Crystal Palace | 7 | 5 | 3 | 26 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 7 | 4 | 4 | 25 |
| 6 | Manchester United | 7 | 4 | 4 | 25 |
| 7 | Everton | 7 | 3 | 5 | 24 |
| 8 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 6 | 5 | 4 | 23 |
| 9 | Sunderland | 6 | 5 | 4 | 23 |
| 10 | Liverpool | 7 | 2 | 6 | 23 |
| 11 | Tottenham Hotspur | 6 | 4 | 5 | 22 |
| 12 | Newcastle United | 6 | 4 | 5 | 22 |
| 13 | AFC Bournemouth | 5 | 5 | 5 | 20 |
| 14 | Brentford | 6 | 1 | 8 | 19 |
| 15 | Fulham | 5 | 2 | 8 | 17 |
| 16 | Leeds United | 4 | 3 | 8 | 15 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 4 | 3 | 8 | 15 |
| 18 | West Ham United | 3 | 4 | 8 | 13 |
| 19 | Burnley | 3 | 1 | 11 | 10 |
| 20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
