Everton vs Chelsea preview

By: Shawn
Chelsea might climb to the top of the Premier League standings if they beat Everton on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues are only two points behind leaders Liverpool and may overtake them at the top with three points on their final trip to Goodison Park, if only for a few hours.

'The Chelsea FC.'
Reuters

While the Reds have a game in hand and Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes his club is not in the championship fight, getting to the top of the league would definitely be a significant statement of intent.

Chelsea would normally be considered heavy favourites, given their ability to make wholesale changes to the team that defeated Shamrock Rovers 5-1 in the Conference League on Thursday night.

Still, they have a horrible record against Everton in recent years, and Sean Dyche's side may be bolstered by the news that the Friedkin Group finalized their acquisition of the club earlier this week.

Here's all you should know.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Everton vs Chelsea is scheduled for a 2pm GMT kick-off time on Sunday 22 December 2024.

Goodison Park in Liverpool will host.

Where to watch Everton vs Chelsea

TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.

Free highlights: Match of the Day 2 will show highlights when it airs at 10.30pm GMT on BBC One on Sunday.

Everton vs Chelsea team news

The restrictions of Armando Broja's loan transfer to Everton prevent him from playing against his original club Chelsea. Dwight McNeil is also wounded, as are James Garner and Timothy Iroegbunam. The game might possibly come too soon for Youssef Chermiti.

Chelsea, however, will most certainly welcome back all of their star players after a rest on Thursday night. Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are injured, while Romeo Lavia is doubtful.

Marc Cucurella is suspended, while Mykhailo Mudryk faces a suspension after failing a drug test. The winger denies ever intentionally using any illegal drug.

Everton vs Chelsea prediction

Chelsea have struggled against Everton in prior years, but this youthful team has been so outstanding this season that it is difficult to ignore them.

Chelsea to win 3-1.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Everton wins: 60

Draws: 56

Chelsea wins: 76

Everton vs Chelsea latest odds

Everton FC to win: 4/1

Draw: 16/5

Chelsea FC to win: 8/13

Odds via Bet365 and subject to change.

MORE FROM SPORT CRAVE

Kylian Mbappe to Arsenal? Former France International Says Premier League Move Cannot Be Ruled Out

Image
‎A future Premier League transfer for Kylian Mbappe cannot be completely ruled out, according to former France international Mikael Silvestre, who believes the Real Madrid forward should ultimately choose the club that gives him the strongest opportunity to win the major trophy missing from his career. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe’s future Premier League move is discussed as Mikael Silvestre says Arsenal cannot be ruled out. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Mbappe appeared to have found the ideal destination when he joined Real Madrid as a ‘Galactico’. However, despite his outstanding individual performances, the France international is still waiting to secure the Champions League and strengthen his case for the Ballon d’Or. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe Still Waiting for Champions League Success ‎ ‎Real Madrid have gone two seasons without winning the most prestigious trophy in European football, a situation that has reportedly added to the frustration surrounding Mbappe's pursuit of collective success. ...
Read more

The Rise of Umar 'Mai Yaki' Muhammed: A Young Basketballer’s Journey of Passion and Ambition

Image
‎For Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed, basketball is more than just a sport. It is a passion that has grown into a dream—one that he hopes will take him from the courts of Niger to bigger stages across Nigeria and, eventually, the world. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed. ‎Mai Yaki via SC ‎ ‎The upcoming basketballer from Niger, Nigeria, is currently based in Abuja, where he continues to pursue his passion for the game and develop himself as a player. With ambition, dedication and a growing love for basketball, Umar is focused on building a future in the sport he has come to love. ‎ ‎In this exclusive conversation with Sport Crave, Umar opens up about how his journey with basketball began, what keeps him motivated and what he hopes the future holds for his career. ‎ ‎Sport Crave: Umar, tell us about yourself and your basketball journey. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed: My name is Umar Muhammed, but many people know me as “Mai Yaki.” I am a basketball player from Niger, Nigeria, and right n...
Read more

Manchester City Agree Deal to Sign Arsenal Midfield Prospect Mishel Nduka

Image
‎Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Arsenal midfield prospect Mishel Nduka after the 16-year-old turned down a new contract offer from the Gunners. ‎ ‎The England youth international is expected to undergo a medical imminently before completing his move to Manchester City on scholarship terms. A professional contract is then expected to follow as City continue their efforts to recruit and develop some of the most promising young players in the game. ‎ ‎Manchester City have agreed to sign 16-year-old Arsenal midfield prospect Mishel Nduka after he turned down a new contract. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Arsenal had presented Nduka with a highly competitive long-term contract in an effort to retain the midfielder, but the teenager is now expected to continue his development at Manchester City. ‎ ‎Nduka joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in 2025. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured for Arsenal’s Under-18s and also made appearances for the club’s under-21 si...
Read more

‎Chelsea Complete £117m Morgan Rogers Deal as Blues Hijack Arsenal Transfer Pursuit

Image
‎Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers in a blockbuster £117 million transfer, with the England international choosing Stamford Bridge ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal. ‎ ‎Chelsea agree a record £117m deal for Morgan Rogers as the England star chooses Chelsea over Arsenal after Xabi Alonso’s influence. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎The 23-year-old attacking midfielder was reportedly attracted by Chelsea’s project under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who played a key role in convincing Rogers to join the Blues. ‎ ‎Chelsea Break British Transfer Record with Morgan Rogers Deal ‎ ‎According to a report by The Athletic, Chelsea have accelerated their summer transfer plans by reaching a verbal agreement with Aston Villa for the signing of Rogers. ‎ ‎The deal, worth £117 million, will make Rogers the most expensive player in Chelsea’s history. The fee surpasses the previous British record of £116 million, which Manchester City recently agreed for ...
Read more

‎Roma Step Up Alejandro Garnacho and Crysencio Summerville Chase Ahead of New Season

Image
‎Roma are accelerating their search for top-quality attacking reinforcements as they prepare to reshape their frontline before the new season. The Giallorossi have strengthened their pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho while remaining firmly interested in Crysencio Summerville as they aim to assemble a squad capable of competing at the highest level. ‎ ‎Roma intensify transfer talks for Alejandro Garnacho while maintaining strong interest in Crysencio Summerville. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Roma have stepped up their activity in the transfer market, with Alejandro Garnacho continuing to rank among the club's priority targets. According to calcionews24, the Serie A side have made fresh contact regarding the Chelsea starlet, underlining their determination to bring the Argentina international to the Stadio Olimpico. ‎ ‎Although convincing Chelsea to part with the talented winger represents a difficult challenge, Roma believe the deal is complicated but achievable and one that coul...
Read more

‎Can England Win the 2026 World Cup? Defence Remains the Biggest Question

Image
‎England enter the 2026 World Cup with plenty of reasons for optimism. Harry Kane continues to rank among the finest strikers in world football, Declan Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, and Thomas Tuchel brings tactical expertise capable of maximizing an attack filled with elite talent. ‎ England boast elite attacking talent, but concerns over fitness and experience in defence could threaten World Cup success. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎Yet despite their strengths going forward, England's defensive unit remains a major source of uncertainty. ‎ ‎The contrast between attack and defence is striking. While England's forward line can be devastating, Tuchel's preferred back four of Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly enters the tournament carrying concerns over fitness, experience and reliability. ‎ ‎Every contender has weaknesses, but England's defensive concerns are among the most visible and could ultimat...
Read more

'I Don’t Have Energy': ‎Marcus Rashford Refuses to Discuss Manchester United Future Before World Cup Knockout Match

Image
‎Marcus Rashford has dismissed concerns over his Manchester United future, saying his complete focus remains on England as they prepare for a crucial World Cup last-16 showdown against Mexico. ‎ ‎Marcus Rashford says England's World Cup campaign is his only priority despite ongoing transfer uncertainty. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎England Comes First for Rashford ‎ ‎With transfer speculation continuing around the Manchester United forward, Rashford has chosen to put all club-related matters on hold until England's World Cup campaign is over. ‎ ‎After spending last season on loan at Barcelona, where he regained form in La Liga, the Catalan side decided against activating the £26 million option to sign him permanently. ‎ ‎Ahead of England's knockout fixture, Rashford explained his approach to the situation. ‎ ‎“As a person, I live in the moment,” he said. “I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup. I wanted it done before, and if not, then I won't...
Read more

Harry Kane Reveals Why England Struggled Against Ghana in Goalless World Cup Draw

Image
Harry Kane has acknowledged that Ghana's disciplined defensive display played a major role in England being held to a 0-0 draw in their second World Cup match. The England captain endured a quiet evening in front of goal, with Ghana successfully restricting his movement and limiting clear-cut opportunities. ‎ ‎Harry Kane discusses his missed late chance and Ghana's defensive tactics after England's draw. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ Compact Ghana Defence Restricts Three Lions Following an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, expectations were high for England heading into the clash. Kane had scored twice in that opening triumph, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were also among the goals. Yet Ghana, under the guidance of Carlos Queiroz, produced a resilient defensive performance. Their compact shape denied England space in dangerous areas and prevented the Three Lions from replicating the attacking display shown in their previous outing. The statistics refle...
Read more

Marcus Rashford to Liverpool? David James Backs Shock Premier League Transfer Idea

Image
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has made a sensational suggestion involving a potential move for Marcus Rashford to Liverpool, despite the fierce rivalry with Manchester United. James believes the England forward’s ability remains unquestionable and feels his qualities could still flourish under the right environment, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola mentioned as a key managerial influence capable of helping him rediscover top form. ‎ David James backs Liverpool to consider Marcus Rashford transfer, praising his talent and suggesting Iraola could help revive him. ‎Getty Images Sport  The former England international has urged Liverpool to at least consider the possibility of signing Rashford, describing him as an elite-level talent despite recent questions about consistency and his long-term future. Uncertainty around Rashford has grown following reports that Barcelona decided not to activate a £30 million option to make his loan move permanent, leaving his n...
Read more

What Was Thomas Tuchel Thinking?! England’s World Cup Final Dream Ends After Costly Tactical Decisions

Image
‎England's hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966 ended in disappointment after Argentina fought back to claim a 2-1 victory in Atlanta on Wednesday, with Thomas Tuchel's tactical approach coming under intense criticism. ‎ ‎Tuchel's selection initially appeared to be a masterstroke. Surprise starter Morgan Rogers delivered the cross that allowed Anthony Gordon to give England the lead 10 minutes into the second half. ‎ ‎England fell 2-1 to Argentina as Thomas Tuchel's tactics came under scrutiny despite Anthony Gordon's opening goal. ‎ Getty/GOAL ‎However, England's conservative approach eventually proved costly. A first half dominated by defensive football was followed by late substitutions that shifted momentum completely in Argentina's favour. Gordon was replaced by Ezri Konsa before Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly were introduced as England attempted to protect their advantage. ‎ ‎Argentina continued to apply pressure throughout ...
Read more