Sports
Chelsea Vs Everton: Preview And Predicted Lineups For Key Premier League Clash
By Benjamin Abioye
Chelsea will host Everton at Stamford Bridge in the first match of the Premier League weekend. After a tough few weeks, the Blues gave their fans something to cheer about with a dramatic comeback win over Fulham in their last outing. Pedro Neto scored a late winner, keeping Chelsea in the hunt for a Champions League place.
Currently sitting sixth in the league table, Chelsea are just two points behind fifth place. With challenging away fixtures against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest on the horizon, Saturday’s match is one they’ll be eager to win.
Everton, meanwhile, head into the match with less pressure. Now safe from relegation, they’re 13th in the table and confirmed to remain in the top flight for the 2025/26 season. However, they recently lost 2-0 at home to Manchester City — their first home league defeat since David Moyes returned as manager. Despite that setback, the Toffees picked up a solid away win at Nottingham Forest before that.
Kick-Off Details
- Location: Stamford Bridge, London
- Date: Saturday, April 26
- Time: 12:30 BST / 07:30 ET / 04:30 PT
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Stuart Attwell
Recent Form
- Chelsea: W-L-D-W-D
- Everton: L-W-D-L-D
Team News: Chelsea
Chelsea may start teenager Tyrique George after his impressive performance and equalising goal at Fulham. He could take Noni Madueke’s spot, with Pedro Neto likely to start on the opposite wing. Wesley Fofana remains sidelined, and Malo Gusto is also out with a hamstring injury. Reece James is expected to continue at right-back. Other injured players include Gabriel Slonina, Marc Guiu, and Omari Kellyman.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, George; Jackson.
Team News: Everton
Everton will be without James Tarkowski, who picked up a hamstring injury against Manchester City. Michael Keane is likely to come in alongside Jarrad Branthwaite. With Armando Broja unavailable due to loan rules, Beto is expected to lead the line. Jesper Lindstrom and Orel Mangala are also ruled out for the season.
Predicted Everton XI (4-4-1-1):
Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Gueye, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Beto.
Match Prediction
Everton may find it difficult without Tarkowski in defence, while Chelsea will be motivated to keep momentum going. Although Everton are no longer battling relegation, they remain tough under Moyes. Chelsea should have enough to secure a narrow win in front of their home crowd.
Predicted Score: Chelsea 2-1 Everton
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