Chelsea vs Everton Preview: Pressure Mounts at Stamford Bridge as Form Collides

“Let’s make things right, together,” wrote Cole Palmer on Instagram the night before Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge after three consecutive away games, two of which ended in disappointing defeats. His message reflects the mood around the club: a shared responsibility to steady the ship after a run of four matches without a win, matching the longest winless streak under Enzo Maresca’s tenure.

December has historically been a turbulent month for Chelsea, yet optimism had begun to build after strong performances against Barcelona and Arsenal. Those highs, however, have quickly faded, replaced by renewed pressure as the Blues slip to fifth in the table, overtaken by a surging Manchester City and an impressive Aston Villa. With only four points separating fourth from twelfth, the fight for Champions League football is already fierce and unforgiving.

Chelsea return home needing a response. Tuesday’s defeat to Atalanta saw Maresca bemoan the loss of “control”, a generous description given how easily the Italian side found their equaliser and winner. The concern is no longer about isolated errors but a worrying pattern emerging in key moments, particularly away from home.

One major boost is the expected return of Cole Palmer to full involvement after missing the midweek trip. His first appearance back last weekend showed rust, as expected, but his creativity remains essential to Chelsea’s identity. Wesley Fofana’s availability is another relief after swelling around his eye raised fears of a more serious issue. However, Maresca remains without Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Dário Essugo, and Roméo Lavia, while Moisés Caicedo serves the final match of his suspension.

The visitors arrive in contrasting form. Everton have won four of their last five matches and climbed to seventh, sitting just one point behind Chelsea. Their rise has been built on defensive organisation, with four clean sheets during that run and a growing resilience that has quickly become their trademark under David Moyes.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, once a peripheral figure at Chelsea, has revitalised his career on Merseyside and now leads the Toffees with four goals, three of them coming in his last four games. Summer arrivals Jack Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, and Thierno Barry have also begun to settle, with Barry finally opening his Premier League account last weekend after a long wait.

Everton also welcome back Tim Iroegbunam and Idrissa Gana Gueye from suspension, although Gueye’s return comes with an unusual asterisk after being sent off for striking teammate Michael Keane. He will depart for AFCON duty immediately after this fixture. The visitors remain without Seamus Coleman, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Merlin Röhl through injury.

History, however, leans heavily in Chelsea’s favour. Everton have not won at Stamford Bridge since 1994 a staggering run of 30 consecutive matches without an away victory. Even more remarkably, David Moyes has never won a match at the Bridge in his managerial career, with this set to be his 21st attempt.

Chelsea won this fixture 1–0 last season through Nicolas Jackson, and Everton have failed to score in their last four meetings with the Blues, home or away.

Yet despite the historical backdrop, this meeting feels far more balanced. Chelsea’s inconsistencies and Everton’s recent surge suggest that form, not history, may hold the key. The hosts will rely on home comfort, renewed energy on the training ground, and a more settled defensive structure, while Everton will look to frustrate, counter, and capitalise on any faltering confidence.

As Stamford Bridge braces for another tense December afternoon, both teams enter with something to prove: Chelsea desperate to halt their slide and reclaim a foothold in the top-four race, Everton eager to continue their climb and finally break a decades-long curse. With pressure, form, and narrative colliding, Saturday’s clash promises a compelling battle defined by discipline, intensity, and moments of quality that have recently been in short supply for the Blues.