Premier League: Chelsea Aim to Sneak Into the Top 5

Chelsea vs Everton

Chelsea’s Champions League pursuit received some good news when it was announced that the Premier League was given an additional spot due to its high UEFA coefficient. But, despite the positive development, the Blues still have a long way to go before securing a berth in Europe’s biggest stage next term.

Enzo Maresca’s men are sixth in the English top-flight standings with 57 points, which is two points adrift of fifth-seeded Newcastle United. Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four league games and are keen to make it five straight when they host Everton at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.

Everton are 13th in the table with 38 points. However, David Moyes’ side only won once in their last five. The Toffees are miles above the relegation zone, but Moyes will use the final few matchdays to prove his worth to The Friedkin Group – the organisation that completed its club takeover last year.

 

Talking Points

George making a strong case to start for Chelsea

With Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke misfiring, Chelsea could mix it up by inserting Tyrique George into the starting XI against Everton since he was responsible for guiding the Blues to their 2-1 win against Fulham last time out.

​Chelsea were desperate for goals when they trailed 1-0 for most of the night after Alex Iwobi scored in the 20th minute. Manager Enzo Maresca subbed Nicolas Jackson out for Tyrique George, and the 19-year-old forward scored the equaliser in the 83rd minute for his first Premier League goal. Pedro Neto completed the Blues’ comeback by hitting an unstoppable half-volley during stoppage time.

Before this, George scored his first European goal during the team’s 3-0 first leg win against Legia Warszawa in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals, which was enough to send them to the next round.

George could replace Nicolas Jackson or Noni Madueke in the starting lineup against the Cottagers this weekend. But if he doesn’t get the start, expect George to come off the bench at some point.

In other news, head coach Enzo Maresca must serve his one-game touchline ban after receiving his third yellow card this season against Fulham. Assistant manager and former goalkeeper Willy Caballero could replace the Italian on the sidelines.

 

Everton suffer huge backline blow

Everton not only lost 2-0 against Manchester City last weekend, but they also lost one of their most impactful players for the rest of the season. Veteran centre-back James Tarkowski sustained a serious hamstring injury a few minutes after the halftime break and was replaced by Michael Keane. Tarkowski has been a key part of a notoriously difficult Everton defence (with only 40 league goals conceded) to break down, but the Toffees must adjust to life without the 32-year-old defender.

Keane is expected to start against Chelsea this Saturday, and he’ll likely use this opportunity to audition for a new deal since his current contract expires this summer.

However, if Moyes plans to go young, he could go with either Jake O’Brien to join Jarrad Branthwaite at centre-half, with Nathan Patterson taking the starting right-back position.

 

History

Chelsea and Everton shared the spoils in a goalless draw last December, as Enzo Maresca’s side were far from clinical in the final third despite having more chances. Before this, Chelsea recorded a 6-0 win over Everton in April 2024. Cole Palmer led with four goals, and Nicolas Jackson and Alfie Gilchrist had one goal each.

The Blues are unbeaten in their last 29 Premier League home matches against Everton since a 1-0 defeat in November 1994 (W16, D13). It’s Chelsea’s longest undefeated home run against an opponent in their league history.

After only losing one of David Moyes’ first 10 Premier League games in charge since returning to Everton (W4, D5), the Toffees have now lost two of their last four (W1, D1). Overall, Everton have only won one of their last eight league matches (D5, L2).

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 odds expect Chelsea to cruise past Everton at home this Saturday. The Blues are 1.60 favourites to win, whereas the Toffees are 5.00 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.60 in the 1X2 market. 

SBOTOP football fans can also expect new Premier League 2025 highlights from this contest. Besides our recommended bet, bettors can also go for alternatives like Over 2.25 at 1.69, Over 2.50 at 1.95, Over 2.75 at 2.23, and Total Goal 2-3 at 1.98. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 0-0 – the result of the reverse fixture – could yield a huge payday of 10.50 your bet. 

   

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