Everton travel to Stamford Bridge facing one of the Premier League’s most unpredictable opponents, as David Moyes’ organised and improving side come up against a Chelsea squad overflowing with youth, pace and financial muscle.
Chelsea’s model remains unique. Through a vast recruitment network, satellite clubs and an aggressive focus on emerging talent from South America and Europe, they continue to stockpile players with resale value and elite potential. It has produced a squad full of athleticism and technical quality, but also one still learning consistency and cohesion.
Everton’s task, as Moyes knows well, is to survive Chelsea’s intensity without surrendering their own structure or belief.
Moyes’ Everton: discipline first, progress built on balance
Moyes arrives in west London with a clear identity re-established. Everton are harder to beat, better organised, and far more controlled than they were earlier in the season. The foundations are defensive, but they are no longer restrictive.
James Tarkowski continues to lead from the back, and while his combative style always carries risk in a VAR era, Moyes has been clear that his influence and leadership outweigh isolated moments of aggression. The Everton manager may have a quiet word about discipline, but he trusts Tarkowski’s experience and authority.
Everton’s recent improvement has also come through midfield balance. The arrival and adaptation of players who can both run and play has allowed Moyes to protect his defensive base while still progressing the ball with purpose.
Chelsea’s threat: pace, wingers and relentless athleticism
Chelsea present a very different challenge to recent opponents. Their wide players are explosive, direct and technically gifted. Moyes referenced their wingers directly, acknowledging the sheer speed and attacking threat Chelsea possess on both flanks.
This is where Everton’s selection dilemmas become significant. James Garner has excelled both in midfield and at right-back in recent matches, but facing Chelsea’s flying wide players raises questions about whether Everton prioritise control in the middle or defensive athleticism on the flank.
Nathan Patterson remains an option but is still short of match rhythm, while Seamus Coleman remains unavailable. Moyes’ decision here could shape Everton’s entire game plan.
Key attacking figures: form, fatigue and focus
Everton’s attacking midfielders will be crucial if they are to hurt Chelsea. Iliman Ndiaye, though quieter in recent weeks, remains one of Everton’s most influential players this season. Moyes acknowledged the possibility that upcoming international commitments may weigh on players mentally, particularly with the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, but he was clear that Ndiaye’s overall contribution remains strong.
Moyes also spoke positively about Ndiaye’s work rate and adaptability, especially his effectiveness when operating from wide areas rather than centrally. That flexibility may be vital against a Chelsea side that presses aggressively and transitions quickly.
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall continues to grow into Moyes’ system, offering link play, intelligence between the lines and a growing goal threat. Moyes has made no secret of his desire for his attacking midfielders to contribute goals, and Chelsea’s high line may offer opportunities if Everton can time their runs.
Chelsea’s youth project meets Everton’s experience
Chelsea’s squad remains one of the youngest in the league, full of talent but still prone to volatility. Moyes has seen enough football to know that such teams can look unplayable one week and disjointed the next.
Everton’s approach is likely to be pragmatic but not passive: stay compact, deny space between the lines, absorb pressure and look to exploit moments when Chelsea overcommit. Moyes will expect discipline without fear.
Likely shapes
Everton are expected to set up in a flexible 4-2-3-1, capable of dropping into a compact block when required. The double pivot will be crucial in protecting the back four and slowing Chelsea’s transitions, while the wide attacking players will be tasked with working hard defensively as well as providing outlets on the counter.
Chelsea are likely to line up with pace and width, looking to isolate full-backs and create overloads, with their midfield focused on regaining possession quickly and recycling attacks.
The challenge ahead
This is not a game Everton are expected to dominate, but it is one they can manage. Moyes has rebuilt Everton’s credibility with organisation, trust and clarity, and this fixture offers another chance to measure how far that progress has gone.
Chelsea’s quality is unquestionable. Everton’s resilience is increasingly so.
If Everton leave Stamford Bridge with discipline intact and belief unshaken, Moyes will feel his team are continuing on the right path — even in one of the league’s most demanding environments.
