Chelsea’s clash with Everton in the 12:30pm Premier League kick-off marks the first of the season in several key areas.
However, we’re not talking about debuts or individual performances here, but rather a handful of notable firsts that make this fixture particularly interesting.
Debut of the third kit
Chelsea will debut their 2026/27 third kit against Everton on Saturday, wearing the white, retro-inspired design for the first time since its unveiling last month. It is a beauty and one of my favorites in the recent past.
The colour white dominates the new shirt, which has a geometric shadow pattern. There is blue trim on the neck and sleeves and vertical red pinstripes, adding a certain retro feel to Chelsea kits of the past, especially with the retro crest. Never one to marvel over a pair of socks but they look decent with a hooped blue design.
Hopefully, plenty in the Hill Dickinson Stadium stands will be sporting the kit as they cheer on Cole Palmer and co.
First time playing outside London
The fixture marks the Blues’ first trip outside London this Premier League season, with all eight of their previous matches played in the capital. Away games at Brentford (forget quickly), Fulham and Arsenal had mixed ressults and performances.
Fresh from their 5-1 victory over Bournemouth, Chelsea will hope to make their new strip’s on-pitch debut a memorable one at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Chelsea have a good record over Everton at home but a tricky time up in Merseyside recently winning only one of their last five trips there.
Clean sheet (?)
Now, I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m backing Chelsea to keep their first clean sheet of the season in what could be an impressive defensive display.
We saw signs of things clicking against Bournemouth, and a solid performance against Everton would not only deliver valuable FPL points but also give our goal difference a welcome boost.
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