Premier League: Will the Resurgent Toffees Enter the Top 4?

Chelsea vs Everton

Everton are suddenly within arm’s reach of a Top 4 spot, and they will be put to the test by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Saturday afternoon. David Moyes’ men improved to seventh in the Premier League table with 24 points after winning four of their last five.

On the other hand, Chelsea are fifth in the English top-flight standings with 25 points, level with sixth-seeded Manchester United and one point behind fourth-seeded Crystal Palace. Enzo Maresca’s side is on a three-game winless run, following draws against Arsenal (1-1) and Bournemouth (0-0) and a road defeat against Leeds United (2-1).

Depending on this weekend’s Premier League 2025 results, there’s a big chance we’ll see a new team in the Top 4 alongside Arsenal, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.

 

Talking Points

James embraces makeshift role for Chelsea

Given the short turnaround between games, head coach Enzo Maresca is forced to rotate his squad – and sometimes play certain players out of their natural position. This has been the case for Reece James – a natural wing-back – who has operated in the middle of the park against Bournemouth and Atalanta.

After a so-so performance against the Cherries, the skipper bounced back hugely against La Dea. James helped the Blues take a one-goal lead by whipping a wonderful cross to Joao Pedro, who tapped the ball into the net in the 25th minute. Unfortunately for Chelsea, they couldn’t hold on to their lead, conceding goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere in the second half.

James looked far more comfortable with Moises Caicedo in a double pivot setup. The 26-year-old Englishman finished the match with three shots, including a volley that dragged just wide of the post in the second half, 53 passes, 66 touches, one duel won, and the assist on Pedro’s goal. But with Caicedo suspended for this Saturday, James must find a way to co-exist with Enzo Fernandez, with Cole Palmer at the No. 10.

Meanwhile, the Blues won’t have Liam Delap, who is expected to be out for at least one month after dislocating his shoulder against the Cherries.

 

Dewsbury-Hall is carrying Everton lately

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been a hugely influential figure in Everton’s run of four wins from five in the English top-flight. The former Chelsea man has contributed three goals and two assists in his last five outings.

Dewsbury-Hall scored the marginal goal against Manchester United, despite his team being reduced to 10 men, and he also scored the consolation goal in their 4-1 loss to Newcastle United. The 27-year-old also put the final nail in the coffin in the Toffees’ 3-0 rout of the Tricky Trees.

Besides Dewsbury-Hall, Everton have also benefited from the recent form of Thierno Barry, Jack Grealish, Idrissa Gueye, and Michael Keane – all of whom also scored in their last five.

 

History

Chelsea are undefeated in their last 30 Premier League home matches against Everton (W17, D13), making it their longest unbeaten home run against an opponent in their league history. However, the Blues are winless in their last three Premier League matches (D2, L1), having won five of their previous six (L1). Chelsea’s only longer winless run under Enzo Maresca came in December and January last season (five games).

Everton have failed to score in 27 Premier League games against Chelsea, including each of their last three. However, they’ve kept a clean sheet win in four of their last five Premier League matches. Since David Moyes’ first game back in charge, only Manchester City (13), Arsenal (13), and Chelsea have notched more Premier League shutout wins than the Toffees (10). Everton haven’t secured three straight shutout road victories since December 2008.

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 odds expect Chelsea to win at home on Saturday. The Blues are 1.68 favourites to take maximum points, whereas the Toffees are 4.50 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.53 in the 1X2 market. However, this is a tricky game to call because Chelsea are coming off an energy-sapping trip to Bergamo yesterday, and Everton are a tough out. 

Based on their recent meetings, SBOTOP fans should expect a few goals this weekend. Besides our recommended bet, bettors may also want to add Under 2.75 at 1.75, Under 2.50 at 2.00, and Total Goals 2-3 at 1.98 to the parlay, with Total Goals 0-1 at 3.21 being the more conservative option. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 1-0 in favour of the Blues – the outcome of their previous encounter – is on offer at 6.50.

   

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