After ending their long wait for an Old Trafford win, why not Stamford Bridge?
Everton head to London on Saturday looking to bring home three points from Chelsea for the first time since November 1994, when Paul Rideout’s header secured the points in Joe Royle’s second game in charge.
Such a poor record means realism must trump optimism, but the Toffees travel south in buoyant mood after a run of four wins from five. Last weekend’s 3–0 victory over Nottingham Forest was arguably the most complete performance
and avoided the ignominy of Sean Dyche doing a job on Everton on his Merseyside return.
There was even a long-awaited first Everton goal for Thierno Barry, drawing arguably the loudest cheer at Hill Dickinson so far and a smile as wide as the Mersey.
The win briefly moved Everton up to fifth and, although subsequent results bumped them down a few spots, it raised hopes of a potential European challenge. Given how tight the league is, a couple of defeats would drag Everton back into mid-table, so that – combined with my inbuilt Toffees pessimism – means I am not getting my blue passport out just yet. I can, however, express relief that we will not have to worry about relegation for the first time in five years.
That is all the progress I need.
The opposition
Could this be a good time to take on Chelsea? The Blues have struggled in December over recent seasons, which has often seen their title challenge stall. Scroll back 12 months: they were second and just two points behind leaders Liverpool before a goalless draw against Everton at Goodison. That was the start of a five-game winless league run that saw them slump to fourth, 10 points off the summit.
This time that poor run is already under way. Maresca’s side are without a win in four, featuring defeats to Atalanta and Leeds, as well as draws with Arsenal and Bournemouth.
However, they do have that fearsome record to protect against the Toffees. Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 30 home league meetings – their longest unbeaten run against any opponent – while David Moyes is winless in all 20 of his matches there as a manager.
Previous meeting
Chelsea 1–0 Everton, 26 April 2025
Not a classic, this one. Nicolas Jackson scored the only goal in the first half for what would be Everton’s final defeat of the season.
Team news
Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam both return from suspension to boost Everton’s midfield ranks – though Gueye will depart for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday along with Iliman Ndiaye.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Rohl are back in training but are not ready to return. Seamus Coleman is also sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Final word
Would it be greedy to want another stadium hoodoo to end so soon after Old Trafford? Everton’s record in west London is awful, but it has to end sometime, right?
