Everton seeking three-game winning run away from home at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs. Everton begins at 15:00 [GMT] on Saturday, December 13, at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea make their return after a 2-1 loss to Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on Match Day 6. They welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge in a meeting shaped by one of the longest-running streaks in Premier League history. The Blues are unbeaten in their last 30 Premier League home games against Everton (W17 D13), their longest such run against any opponent. Chelsea’s recent form [WWDLW], however, has dipped. After winning five of six league matches, they are now winless in three (D2 L1). Their only longer winless spell under Enzo Maresca came last season, when they went five matches without a victory across December and January. Squad rotation has also been a talking point. Chelsea have made 46 lineup changes already this season—11 more than at this stage last year—and have altered their starting XI at least four times in each of their last four league games. In addition, the Blues have shown vulnerability at home, dropping more points from winning positions than any other Premier League side this season (eight). Their most recent example came in the 1–1 draw with Arsenal after taking the lead. Joao Pedro is expected at the attacking end of Chelsea’s 4—2—3—1 formation. The 5th-placed side will be without the suspended Moisés Caicedo.
While Chelsea wobble, Everton arrive in excellent shape. David Moyes’ side have won four of their last five Premier League matches [WWLWW], keeping a clean sheet in each victory. In 7th place, just two spots and one point shy of Chelsea, Everton head to London with fine away form. The visitors have won back-to-back Premier League away matches — both by a 1–0 scoreline. They have not won three straight away games without conceding since December 2008 and will be hoping to do so here. Despite Everton’s resurgence, one obstacle remains: David Moyes’ personal record at Stamford Bridge. He is winless in 20 away Premier League games against Chelsea (D7 L13), with only Anfield proving a tougher ground for him. Everton’s recent improvement has been fuelled by key individuals. Thierno Barry finally ended a 14-game Premier League goal drought with his strike against Nottingham Forest, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has stepped up with four league goals — including three in his last four matches, matching his tally from his previous 62 appearances combined. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Thierno Barry in attack is expected against Chelsea. Idrissa Gueye is suspended for this meeting.