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**Meta Title:** Chelsea vs Everton: EPL Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips 26/4

**Meta Description:** Expert EPL match preview for Chelsea vs Everton at Stamford Bridge (26/4/25). Get predictions, betting tips, team news, injury updates, and tactical analysis.

# Chelsea vs Everton: Premier League Match Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

Get ready for a crucial English Premier League clash as Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge. This EPL fixture, scheduled for **Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:30 GMT (12:30 PM UK time)**, sees a Chelsea side chasing European qualification against a resilient Everton team looking to finish their season strongly. This comprehensive football preview offers score predictions, EPL betting tips, team news, and tactical analysis.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

**Predicted Score:** Chelsea 2 - 1 Everton

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

*   **Winner Odds (Estimated):** Chelsea (Favoured), Draw, Everton (Outsider)
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes - Chelsea's attack is potent, but they often concede. Everton, while not prolific, can trouble defences.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 Goals - Chelsea's recent games trend towards goals, and Everton's defensive absences could contribute.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** Chelsea Win: 55%, Draw: 25%, Everton Win: 20%

This Premier League prediction leans towards a home victory, but Everton's recent stubbornness under David Moyes shouldn't be underestimated. Expect competitive EPL betting tips favouring Chelsea, but value might be found in BTTS markets.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will influence this EPL encounter:

*   **Form:** Chelsea enter the match with momentum, having secured a late comeback win against Fulham and remaining unbeaten in their last four Premier League games (W3, D1). Everton, conversely, have managed just one win in their last eight PL matches, though their performances under David Moyes have generally been organised, losing primarily to top-tier opposition (Man City, Liverpool, Aston Villa since his return).
*   **Home Advantage:** Stamford Bridge provides a significant boost for Chelsea. They'll be backed by their home crowd and are generally stronger on their turf.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:** Both teams face significant absences. Chelsea are missing key players like Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana, with Mykhailo Mudryk suspended. Everton are critically hampered by the absence of defensive rock James Tarkowski and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, plus Armando Broja is ineligible against his parent club.
*   **Tactical Battle:** Enzo Maresca's possession-heavy style for Chelsea will be tested against David Moyes' typically structured and defensively solid Everton setup. The Toffees will likely aim to frustrate Chelsea and hit them on the counter-attack.
*   **Motivation & Morale:** Chelsea are fighting for a top-five finish and potential Champions League qualification, providing strong motivation. Their late win at Fulham will have boosted morale. Everton are mathematically safe but will want to end the season positively under Moyes.

The expected EPL outcome is a Chelsea win, driven by their attacking quality and home advantage, particularly against an Everton side missing key defensive personnel. However, Everton's resilience means it might not be straightforward.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Chelsea

*   **Recent Premier League Form (Last 5):** W-D-D-W-W (Fulham 2-1 W, Ipswich 2-2 D, Brentford 0-0 D, Tottenham 1-0 W, Leicester 1-0 W)
*   **Overall:** Chelsea have shown improved consistency recently, losing only once in the league since mid-February. Their late win against Fulham highlighted their fighting spirit.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:**
    *   OUT: Malo Gusto (Hamstring), Wesley Fofana (Hamstring - Season), Omari Kellyman (Hamstring - Season), Marc Guiu (Knee - Doubtful), Mykhailo Mudryk (Suspended).
    *   QUESTIONABLE/RETURNING: Romeo Lavia (Hamstring - potential return to squad), Christopher Nkunku (Omitted vs Fulham - 'Technical Decision').
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Cole Palmer:** Chelsea's main attacking threat, crucial for goals and assists.
    *   **Pedro Neto / Tyrique George:** Both scored late goals recently, showing impact potential.
    *   **Nicolas Jackson:** Leads the line and will test the makeshift Everton defence.

### Everton

*   **Recent Premier League Form (Last 5):** L-W-D-L-D (Man City 0-2 L, Nottm Forest 1-0 W, Arsenal 1-1 D, Liverpool 0-1 L, West Ham 1-1 D)
*   **Overall:** Since David Moyes' reappointment in January, Everton have a record of 5W-5D-3L. They are hard to beat but lack consistent wins, with only one victory in their last eight PL outings.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:**
    *   OUT: James Tarkowski (Thigh), Armando Broja (Ineligible - Loan), Jesper Lindstrom (Groin), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Thigh), Orel Mangala (Knee).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jordan Pickford:** England's number one will be vital in keeping Chelsea at bay.
    *   **Jarrad Branthwaite:** With Tarkowski out, the young centre-back's performance will be crucial alongside likely partner Michael Keane.
    *   **Beto:** Likely to lead the line in Calvert-Lewin's absence, offering a physical presence.

## Tactical Preview

*   **Expected Formations:** Both teams are likely to deploy a **4-2-3-1** formation, a common setup for both Maresca and Moyes.
*   **Chelsea's Approach:** Expect Enzo Maresca's side to dominate possession, building play patiently from the back and looking to unlock Everton's defence through intricate passing, particularly utilising Cole Palmer in advanced areas. They will press high to win the ball back quickly.
*   **Everton's Approach:** David Moyes will likely set Everton up to be compact and difficult to break down, potentially defending in a lower block. They will look to frustrate Chelsea and exploit opportunities on the counter-attack or from set pieces, using the pace of players like Ndiaye (if selected) and the physicality of Beto.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Chelsea Attack vs. Everton Defence:** Can Palmer, Jackson, and the wingers find space against an Everton backline missing the influential Tarkowski? Branthwaite and Keane face a significant test.
    *   **Midfield Control:** The battle between Chelsea's Caicedo/Fernandez pairing and Everton's likely duo of Garner/Gueye will be key in dictating the game's tempo and controlling transitions.
    *   **Handling Transitions:** Everton's ability to counter quickly versus Chelsea's structure when possession is lost will be a critical dynamic.

This EPL tactical analysis points towards a game of attack versus defence, with Chelsea probing and Everton aiming to remain solid and strike opportunistically.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

Chelsea enter this Premier League fixture as deserved favourites, boasting better recent form, home advantage, and greater attacking firepower. Everton's resilience under David Moyes and Chelsea's own occasional defensive lapses suggest the Toffees could make it competitive, especially if they defend diligently.

However, Everton's key injuries, particularly the absence of James Tarkowski and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, significantly weaken them at both ends of the pitch. Chelsea's push for European football should provide the edge.

*   **Key Takeaway:** Chelsea are expected to win, but Everton's organisation could keep it close for periods.
*   **Betting Angle:** Chelsea Win & BTTS looks plausible given both teams' recent trends. Over 2.5 goals is also likely.
*   **Fantasy Football Tip:** Cole Palmer (Chelsea) remains a must-have FPL asset due to his consistent attacking returns.

**Final Prediction:** Expect Chelsea to control large parts of the game, eventually breaking down Everton's resistance. While the Toffees might grab a goal, Chelsea's quality should see them secure a vital three points in their quest for European football. **Chelsea 2 - 1 Everton.**