Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Fri 20 March 2026 7:10, UK

Everton face Chelsea in a crucial Premier League clash for both of their European ambitions.

David Moyes’ side sit eight in the top-flight, just five points behind the Stamford Bridge side, who are sixth at the moment.

The teams face off at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 21 March, and it could be a close encounter on Merseyside given the stakes.

Paul Merson has predicted that Everton will come away with a 1-1 draw from the contest, which will help keep their hopes alive.

What did Merson say about Everton vs Chelsea?

Merson claimed that the clash will see the sides share the points because he cannot see the Londoners getting all three points.

The well-known Chelsea fan believes that the Toffees’ performance against Arsenal will make them a tough test for Liam Rosenior and Co.

Writing in his weekly predictions articles for Sportskeeda on 19 March, he said: “Everton will give Chelsea a tough test.

“I remember them being good against Arsenal at the Emirates.

“If Chelsea can get three points here, it will be an unbelievable result, but I don’t expect that to happen.”

Why Everton need to win against Chelsea

Everton needs to win against Chelsea, they need to make a statement against Rosenior’s side, one that says they are ready to pull away from those behind them in the league table.

The race for European places is so close at the moment, Newcastle are just one point behind Moyes’ side, while Bournemouth and Fulham are two points back, making it a risky spot.

Brighton and Sunderland are both still only three points back, so if the L4 outfit do not start picking up three points, they could soon fall as far as 13th in the table.

That would be a disaster for the Blues, given their position right now, and how much it would push them forward if they got into Europe.

They did not expect to be in this position at the start of the campaign, but now they are, with just eight matches left to play, they cannot let it fall away now.

Victory over the Champions League contenders would be a huge sign that the Blues are going in the right direction, as they chase a first European berth since the 2017-18 Europa League.

Merson’s prediction does little for either team, and hopefully the Toffees can make him look silly once all is said and done.