Everton put their unbeaten start to the Premier League season on the line as they welcome a free-scoring Chelsea side to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for a crucial Everton vs Chelsea preview. David Moyes’ men head into this fixture aiming to protect a six match unbeaten streak following a 2-2 draw away at Hull last weekend. Although dropping points from a winning position felt frustrating, it extended their undefeated start to two wins and four draws. Making them one of only three sides yet to taste defeat in the top flight this term.
Only in the 2006/07 campaign have Everton avoided defeat across their opening seven Premier League matches, but confidence will be high of matching that feat on home turf, where the Toffees have won to nil in three of their four games this season.
Goalscoring Blues Seek Defensive Stability
Keeping Xabi Alonso’s side quiet presents a daunting task after the visitors demolished Bournemouth 5-1 last weekend. Life under the Spaniard has brought plenty of entertainment, with Chelsea rattling in 23 goals already. However, defensive frailties persist; the Blues have leaked 16 goals and are currently enduring a 22 match league run without a clean sheet their longest defensive drought since August 1961. Struggles on the road have also hindered their progress, with both league defeats arriving away from home against sides currently sitting higher in the table.
Favorable H2H History for the Toffees
History heavily favors Everton in this fixture. The Toffees have won their last 13 Premier League home matches against Chelsea, including a 3-0 triumph last season, and have suffered defeat in only one of their last nine top-flight meetings hosted at Goodison Park, keeping clean sheets in seven of those encounters.
Team News and Key Players
Everton will look to in-form striker Thierno Barry, who has scored in his last two outings, though he aims to break a personal trend of failing to net in three consecutive league games since August 2024. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s attack continues to be spearheaded by Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Both managers face selection dilemmas. Everton’s Vitalii Mykolenko remains questionable with a knock after missing the trip to Hull, while Chelsea travel without the injured Reece James and Jaden Gittens. Referee Peter Tierney takes charge of the proceedings at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.