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**Meta Title:** Chelsea vs Everton: EPL Preview, Prediction & Tips 2025 (54 Chars)
**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions, betting tips & team news for Chelsea vs Everton at Stamford Bridge (26/04/25). In-depth analysis, form guide & likely lineups. (158 Chars)

# Chelsea vs Everton: Premier League Match Preview, Predictions & Team News

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 UTC (12:30 PM UK time)**, holds significant weight for the home side's European aspirations, while the visitors look to finish their season strongly under David Moyes. Read on for our full Chelsea vs Everton match preview, including EPL predictions, betting tips, and the latest team news.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

**Predicted Score:** Chelsea 2 – 0 Everton

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds:** Chelsea are strong favourites playing at home with European qualification on the line. Everton, while safe, face a tough away trip without a key defender.
    *   **Chelsea Win:** 60%
    *   **Draw:** 25%
    *   **Everton Win:** 15%
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Leaning towards 'No'. Chelsea have shown defensive improvements recently, and Everton might struggle for clear chances, especially without Tarkowski organising the backline which could impact their overall structure.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Likely 'Under 2.5 Goals'. Moyes' teams are typically organised defensively away from home, and while Chelsea need the win, Everton will aim to frustrate. However, Chelsea's attacking options could push it Over if they score early.

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## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will influence this Premier League encounter:

*   **Motivation & Stakes:** Chelsea have everything to play for, needing points to secure a top-five finish and potential Champions League football. Everton are mathematically safe from relegation, but David Moyes insists results still matter hugely for merit payments and player contracts (with 11/12 deals expiring).
*   **Home vs. Away Advantage:** Stamford Bridge provides a significant boost for Chelsea. Everton's away form under Moyes has been steady but unspectacular. Moyes has historically struggled to win at Stamford Bridge.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:** This is critical. Everton suffer a massive blow with **James Tarkowski** ruled out for the season (hamstring surgery). **Dominic Calvert-Lewin** is nearing a return to training but unlikely to feature. Chelsea are without **Malo Gusto**, but **Reece James** and **Romeo Lavia** are available (managed minutes), and **Christopher Nkunku** returns to the squad, offering a significant attacking boost.
*   **Managerial Impact:** Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will serve a **one-match touchline ban**, potentially impacting in-game adjustments. David Moyes, celebrating his 62nd birthday, will aim for a typically disciplined performance from his side.
*   **Morale:** Chelsea are buoyed by their recent win at Fulham, keeping their European hopes alive. Everton secured safety but lost to Man City last time out and now face the Tarkowski setback. The pressure being off could either free them up or lead to complacency.

**Expected Outcome:** Expect Chelsea to dominate possession and territory, probing for openings against a likely deep-sitting Everton defence. The key will be whether Chelsea's attack can break down Moyes' organised structure. Tarkowski's absence is a major disadvantage for Everton's defensive resilience. Chelsea's superior quality and higher stakes should see them secure the victory.

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## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Chelsea

*   **Last 5 EPL Results:** W D W D W (Most recent first: 2-1 W vs Fulham (A), 2-2 D vs Ipswich (H), 1-0 W vs Tottenham (H), 0-0 D vs Brentford (A), 4-0 W vs Southampton (H))
*   **Form Summary:** The Blues are in good form, unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches, demonstrating resilience and finding ways to win crucial games in their push for Europe.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:**
    *   OUT: Malo Gusto (RB), Wesley Fofana (CB - long term), Marc Guiu (FW), Aaron Anselmino (DF).
    *   Available but managed: Reece James (RB/RWB), Romeo Lavia (MF).
    *   Suspended: Enzo Maresca (Manager - touchline ban).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Christopher Nkunku (FW/AM):** Back in the squad after being omitted last week. His creativity and goal threat could be vital, likely from the bench.
    *   **Pedro Neto / Noni Madueke (Wingers):** Both have contributed goals (Neto 4-5 PL goals, Madueke 7-8 PL goals). Maresca demands end product, and their pace will test Everton's defence.
    *   **Reece James (RB/RWB):** If fit enough to start or play significant minutes, his delivery and defensive work are crucial, especially with Gusto out.

### Everton

*   **Last 5 EPL Results:** L W D L D (Most recent first: 0-2 L vs Man City (H), 1-0 W vs Nottm Forest (A), 1-1 D vs Arsenal (H), 0-1 L vs Liverpool (A), 1-1 D vs West Ham (H))
*   **Form Summary:** The Toffees have secured safety thanks to a good run since Moyes' return (W5 D6 L4 in last 15 PL games), but recent form is mixed, particularly against top opposition. The 2-0 loss to City highlighted their limitations.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:**
    *   OUT: James Tarkowski (CB - season).
    *   Doubtful: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (FW - nearing training return).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jake O'Brien (DF):** Has impressed in a hybrid right-back role but is likely needed at centre-back due to Tarkowski's injury. How he adapts back centrally will be key. Michael Keane is another option.
    *   **Jordan Pickford (GK):** England's number one will likely be busy and needs a strong performance. Capable of match-winning saves.
    *   **Amadou Onana / Idrissa Gueye (MF):** Their energy and ball-winning ability in midfield will be vital to disrupt Chelsea's rhythm and protect the makeshift defence.

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## Tactical Preview

This EPL fixture presents an interesting tactical battle between Enzo Maresca's philosophy (though he's banned from the touchline) and David Moyes' pragmatism.

*   **Chelsea Approach:**
    *   **Formation:** Likely 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
    *   **Style:** Expect high possession, patient build-up play, utilising width through wingers like Neto and Madueke. They will press high to win the ball back quickly. The challenge is converting dominance into clear-cut chances against a potentially packed defence. Maresca's assistants will relay instructions, but his immediate presence will be missed.
*   **Everton Approach:**
    *   **Formation:** Likely 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1, focusing on defensive shape.
    *   **Style:** Prioritise defensive solidity and organisation. They will likely concede possession, stay compact, and look to frustrate Chelsea. Attacking outlets will be through counter-attacks, potentially using the pace of wingers, and set pieces where Tarkowski's absence will also be felt offensively.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Chelsea Wingers vs. Everton Full-Backs:** Can Neto/Madueke isolate and beat their markers to create chances?
    *   **Midfield Control:** Chelsea's central midfielders (e.g., Fernandez, Caicedo) vs. Everton's engine room (e.g., Onana, Gueye). Winning this battle dictates the game's flow.
    *   **Nkunku's Influence:** If introduced, can his movement and intelligence unlock Everton's defence between the lines?
    *   **Everton's Makeshift CB Pairing:** How will O'Brien (if moved central) and/or Keane cope with Chelsea's attacking movement without Tarkowski's leadership?

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## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League match at Stamford Bridge sees Chelsea, driven by European ambitions, as clear favourites against an Everton side whose primary goal for the season (survival) is achieved.

*   **Recap:** Chelsea's need for points, home advantage, and Everton's significant injury blow to James Tarkowski heavily favour the hosts. While Moyes will ensure Everton compete, their cutting edge and defensive solidity are compromised.
*   **Final Prediction:** Chelsea 2 – 0 Everton.
*   **Betting Angles:** Chelsea to Win looks solid. Under 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score 'No' are strong possibilities given the likely tactical setup and Everton's key defensive absence.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips (FPL):**
    *   Consider Chelsea defenders (e.g., Badiashile, Chalobah, potentially James if starting) for clean sheet potential.
    *   **Christopher Nkunku (CHE)** is an exciting differential if you expect him to get minutes off the bench.
    *   **Pedro Neto / Noni Madueke (CHE)** offer attacking potential.
    *   **Jordan Pickford (EVE)** could rack up save points but is unlikely to keep a clean sheet. Avoid Everton defenders this week.
*   **Final Thought:** Expect Chelsea to control the match tempo. Everton will defend diligently, but the absence of Tarkowski combined with Chelsea's attacking quality and motivation should prove decisive. An early Chelsea goal could open the game up, but a controlled home win is the most probable outcome.

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