Chelsea Vs Everton: The Blues Haunted By Declining Trends

Reece James, Chelsea captain (photo: x @ChelseaFC)

JAKARTA - Chelsea tried to contain a strong negative wind when they returned to Stamford Bridge this weekend to face Everton, a team that was climbing the standings with solid steps. This meeting is a repeat of the April 2025 duel, when Nicolas Jackson's single goal ensures a narrow victory for the Blues.

Chelsea's performance entered December like a school WiFi signal: sometimes strong, often dim. After a convincing 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League and stealing one point with 10 players against Arsenal, their rhythm suddenly wavered. Leeds' 3-1 defeat, a 0-0 result against Bournemouth, and a 2-1 loss to Atalanta saw Enzo Maresca's side slump to fifth place in the Premier League.

Their position is actually not critical just one point from the top four. But the eight-point gap from Arsenal at the top of the table makes their breathing room run low. One of the biggest problems: failing to keep the lead. Chelsea have dropped eight points from the lead position at home this season, more than any team in the league.

Even so, Stamford Bridge brought its own trust. Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 30 home meetings against Everton in their longest home record against a club. Everton last returned home with a win from West London in November 1994. For David Moyes, the away record at Stamford Bridge is even more bitter: he has never won 20 Premier League games.

But Everton this season brings different energy. Since Moyes returned in January, only Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea have had more wins without conceding than The Toffees. They are in the clouds of four wins from the last five league games, all without conceding.

Last week's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest pushed Everton up to seventh, just two points from the Champions League zone. This performance raises high hopes on the blue Merseyside this may be their year returning to European competition after nearly a decade of being knocked out of the elite stage.

Everton's away record is solid. They won 1-0 at Manchester United and Bournemouth's headquarters in the last two away games, and are now hunting for a record three consecutive away wins without conceding for the first time since 2008. Although history records against Chelsea are not in favor, their momentum is an important fuel.

In Chelsea's camp, Moises Caicedo is still serving a three-match sentence, while Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Romeo Lavia, Dario Estugo, and Mykhaylo Mudryk remain sidelined. Wesley Fofana suffered an eye injury due to a unique accident against Atalanta, but Maresca hopes he can play, possibly side by side with Trevoh Chalobah.

Cole Palmer, who is resting in Bergamo, will return to filling the creative attack line. Reece James is likely to be rotated, while Estevoo and Alejandro Garnacho are eyeing the starting position on the wing.

Everton lost Seamus Coleman, Jarrad Branthwaite, andmenul Rohl. However, Thierno Barry, who scored his debut goal in the last match, is ready to appear. Idrissa Gueye and Team Iroegbunam also returned after being absent due to suspension. Dewsbury-Hall's role brought a positive wind: four goals this season, three of which in the last four matches.

This match felt like a psychological obstacle for Chelsea as well as a golden opportunity for Everton. With the performance of the unstable Blues and the ongoing Toffees, the match can run in balance.

The clash of two teams with different trends could be one of the determinants of the second season as the calendar approaches the year change.

Forecast of the line-up

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Santos, Fernandez; Estevoo, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.Everton: Pickford; O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.

Estimated score: Chelsea 1-1 Everton.