Premier League | Gameweek 16 | Saturday, December 13, 2025
Chelsea welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge on Saturday without key midfielder Moisés Caicedo, who serves a suspension as the Blues attempt to maintain their push for Champions League qualification. The Toffees arrive in London riding improved form under returning manager David Moyes, who has transformed their away performances since taking charge for a third spell.
Moyes Factor
Since Moyes returned to Goodison Park, Everton have found the net in five of their last six away matches. Their most recent road trip produced a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, suggesting the veteran Scottish manager has restored the defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat that defined his first successful era at the club.
Everton have drawn 42% of their league matches this season, earning a reputation as draw specialists. That pragmatic approach could prove valuable against a Chelsea side missing several key personnel.
Chelsea’s Absent Engine Room
The suspension of Caicedo represents Chelsea’s most significant blow. The Ecuadorian international has been the heartbeat of Enzo Maresca’s midfield, and his absence forces a reshuffle in the engine room against opponents who will look to disrupt Chelsea’s possession-based game.
The problems extend beyond Caicedo. Mykhailo Mudryk also serves a suspension, while Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined through injury. Reece James is doubtful with fitness concerns, leaving Maresca with difficult decisions across multiple positions.
Contrasting Styles
The statistical profiles reveal a clear tactical contrast. Chelsea average 59% possession and prefer building through the middle with short passing combinations. Everton sit at 46% possession and favor a more direct approach with long balls and crosses, particularly targeting the right flank.
The second-half split could prove decisive. Chelsea score an average of 0.86 goals after the interval compared to just 0.57 in opening periods. Everton’s second-half output drops to 0.43 goals per game, suggesting they may need an early foothold to have any chance of ending their three-decade wait for a Stamford Bridge victory.
Defensive Battle
Chelsea have kept clean sheets in 45% of their matches this season, conceding just 1.00 goals per game on average. Everton’s 32% clean sheet rate and 1.27 goals conceded per game highlight why Moyes has prioritized defensive organization since his return.
Without Calvert-Lewin leading the line due to injury, Everton will rely on Beto to hold the ball up and bring wide players into the game. Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness remains uncertain, potentially weakening the Toffees at centre-back.
The Historic Challenge
No Everton side has won at Stamford Bridge since 1994. Across 31 subsequent visits in all competitions, the Toffees have managed only draws at best. Breaking that sequence would require a near-perfect performance and likely some help from Chelsea’s depleted squad.
Numbers to Watch
- 42%: Everton’s draw rate in league matches this season
- 5 of 6: Everton away games with goals scored under Moyes
- 45%: Chelsea’s clean sheet percentage this season
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 3:00 PM GMT / 10:00 AM ET
Not broadcast live in the UK due to Saturday 3 PM blackout. Available internationally on NBC Universo (US), FuboTV (Canada), and DAZN España.
