Chelsea have the opportunity to temporarily move to the top of the Premier League when they face Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday. With Liverpool playing later in the day, a win for Chelsea would see them move one point ahead of the leaders, at least until their rivals take to the field.
Chelsea enter the match in impressive form, having won five consecutive Premier League games, a feat that no other team has achieved this season. Their most recent victory, a 2-1 win over Brentford at Stamford Bridge, showcased their growing strength. Notably, Cole Palmer, who has been a key player for Chelsea this season, did not need to score or assist in this win, reflecting how much the team has diversified its attacking threat. Since returning from the international break in November, Chelsea have been in exceptional form, winning all eight of their matches across all competitions. This marks their best run since their 2016-17 title-winning campaign under Antonio Conte.
Manager Enzo Maresca has overseen a dramatic improvement in the team’s fortunes, and Chelsea’s title challenge is now very much alive. They are currently two points behind Liverpool, who were held to a draw in their most recent match. Chelsea also finished their Conference League group stage with a perfect record, defeating Shamrock Rovers 5-1 to cap off their European campaign.
However, Chelsea’s task at Goodison Park will be far from easy. The Blues have a poor recent record at Everton, having won only four of their last 17 league visits to Merseyside. Their last win at Goodison came during a title-winning season, but more often than not, Chelsea have struggled to pick up points here. In fact, they have lost five of their last six visits, making this match a significant challenge for Maresca and his team.
Everton’s recent fortunes have been buoyed by the news of a takeover by the Friedkin Group, which has injected a sense of optimism around the club. The takeover ended the controversial reign of Farhad Moshiri, and the timing could not be better, with the team coming off a solid 0-0 draw at Arsenal. Under manager Sean Dyche, Everton have been resolute defensively, and their defensive record is among the best in Europe. Since November 1, no team in the top five European leagues has kept more clean sheets than Everton, who have shut out opponents six times. Despite their defensive solidity, scoring remains a major issue for the Toffees, as they have struggled to find the back of the net. They have scored the fewest goals from open play of any team in the Premier League over the past two seasons, and this season, they have failed to score in eight matches.
Everton’s form in the league has been inconsistent, with a record of one win, two draws, and three losses in their last six games. However, they are still a solid mid-table side, sitting three points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand. Their ability to frustrate opponents with a compact defense has been key to their survival, but they will need to find a way to be more clinical in attack if they are to move up the table.
In terms of team news, Everton will be without Armando Broja, who is ineligible to play against his parent club. This means Dominic Calvert-Lewin will lead the line, hoping to end his 11-game goal drought. Dwight McNeil remains a doubt due to a knee issue, and if he is unavailable, Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom will compete for a starting spot. Jarrad Branthwaite, who was impressive in Everton’s defensive display at Arsenal, is expected to be fit despite some discomfort after the game.
Chelsea also have some injury concerns, with Marc Cucurella suspended after his red card against Brentford. Benoit Badiashile is also unavailable due to injury, but Tosin Adarabioyo impressed in his absence and is likely to continue in the starting lineup. Wesley Fofana and Reece James remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, and Mykhaylo Mudryk is not available due to a doping charge.
For Everton, a possible starting lineup could feature Jordan Pickford in goal, with a defense of Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Vitaliy Mykolenko. In midfield, Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye, and Abdoulaye Doucoure may start, with Dwight McNeil, Demarai Gray, or Jack Harrison supporting Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack.
Chelsea, on the other hand, could line up with Robert Sanchez in goal, and a back four of Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella (if fit). In midfield, Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia are likely to start, with a forward line consisting of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho, supporting Nicolas Jackson in attack.
This match promises to be a fascinating encounter, with Chelsea looking to continue their strong form and challenge for the title, while Everton will be aiming to build on their solid defensive displays and prove they can compete with the league’s top teams.
