Following angry protests over an underwhelming summer transfer window, few Everton supporters would have anticipated sitting above Merseyside rivals Liverpool after six matches as one of only three remaining unbeaten clubs in the top flight. While only two of those six outings have yielded wins, a ten-point haul places the Toffees ahead of Chelsea on goal difference heading into Saturday’s lunchtime clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium
Local Kick-off Time: 2026 Oct 17 12.30pm BST
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Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Everton
Form & Tactical Outlook:
David Moyes’s side enter Matchweek 7 in resilient form, riding a five-match unbeaten streak across all competitions (three wins, two draws). In their last outing, Everton engaged in an entertaining 2-2 stalemate away against Hull City at the MKM Stadium, courtesy of goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry. Built on a structured and solid defensive spine commanded by Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski, Everton will look to disrupt Chelsea’s high defensive line. Moyes will lean on the midfield engine room of Jack Grealish, James Garner, and Dewsbury-Hall to absorb pressure and ignite rapid transitions through Barry to exploit Chelsea’s open backline.
Team News:
Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko remains a major doubt (50-50 chance) after sustaining an issue on international duty with Ukraine. With Adam Aznou currently on loan at Málaga, Everton are stretched thin on the defensive flank. Midfielder Christian Nørgaard featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Blackburn and could make the matchday squad, though Moyes prefers to ease the summer signing in gradually. German midfielder Merlin Röhl may also return to contention.
Chelsea
Form & Tactical Outlook:
Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea have been one of the division’s most thrilling and unpredictable sides. The Blues rank as the Premier League’s third-highest scorers with 15 goals, yet their rearguard has leaked a joint-league-high 13 goals. Chelsea arrive on Merseyside brimming with confidence after dismantling Bournemouth 5-1 at Stamford Bridge, powered by braces from veteran Jordan Henderson and João Pedro alongside a Morgan Rogers strike. Alonso's fluid offensive blueprint relies on Moisés Caicedo and Henderson establishing dominance in central areas, allowing playmakers Cole Palmer, Rogers, and Pedro Neto to unlock compact defensive blocks. However, tightening their vulnerable transitions remains Alonso's primary tactical challenge.
Team News:
Club captain Reece James is a major doubt after missing the Bournemouth triumph and skipping Tuesday’s training session, making a targeted return for the Tottenham derby later this month more probable. The return of Moisés Caicedo to full fitness provides an anchor in midfield. On the wings, Jamie Gittens is ruled out for several weeks with an ankle injury, while striker Emmanuel Emegha is not expected to be available.
