Everton vs Chelsea preview: Team news, form guide and predictions
By Luke Oluoch, March 21, 2026A beleaguered Chelsea FC travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to take on Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, march 21, 2026
The 8:30 pm kick-off clash will see Liam Rosenior’s team seeking to banish a run of four consecutive defeats in all competitions.
The Blues have been a punching bag of sorts both at home and in Europe, with a defeat to Newcastle United sandwiched between crushing losses to European champions PSG that ended their UEFA Champions League dreams on an 8-2 aggregate.
League double
Against David Moyes’ side, they will attempt to complete the league double over the Toffees for the first time since 2016-17, following their 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge three months ago.
The clash bears huge implications for the chase for European football next summer in the Champions League.
Despite seeing a run of one win in five games denting their chances and slipping to sixth on the pile, the Londoners remain in the hunt for Champions League qualification as they sit only three points behind fourth spot with eight games remaining.
For Everton, last week’s 2-0 defeat away against the leaders, Arsenal, saw the Blues fail to make it three wins in a row, having picked up wins against Newcastle United (3-2) and Burnley (2-0).
The Merseyside club will be without injured Jack Grealish (foot) and Carlos Alcaraz, while Chelsea loanee Tyrique George is ineligible to face his parent club.
To add to the injuries, first-choice center-backs James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite are both major doubts after missing last weekend’s loss to Arsenal.
The Toffees will, however, look to former Chelsea man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to inflict damage against his former employers.
The attacker has been in sensational form, featuring in a more advanced role; he certainly looks to continue heading to the clash.
Injury news
Chelsea faces a few injury concerns, with Trevoh Chalobah listed as a major doubt after being stretchered off in the midweek Champions League tie.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer, who has scored 5 career goals against Everton, is expected to start after an early withdrawal against PSG
A close head-to-head record has been the outcome of the two fixtures, with West Londoners enjoying a slim advantage.
Chelsea’s slight edge
Nine of the last 11 meetings between Everton and Chelsea have seen no more than two goals scored (five Chelsea wins, three Everton wins, and two draws), and another closely contested battle could be in store this weekend.
With three wins from their last five encounters against Everton, expect Chelsea to put aside their recent struggles to earn maximum points, if not a share of spoils.