Chelsea
will aim to maintain their seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top
of the Premier League standings when they take on Everton at Stamford
Bridge.
Jose Mourinho's men took advantage of nearest rivals City's surprise home
draw against Hull at the weekend with a hard-earned win at Aston Villa.
The leaders thumped Roberto Martinez's side 6-3 in an exhilarating encounter
at Goodison Park when the sides last met in August and have since gone from
strength to strength as they chase their fifth league title.
Everton have not won in the league at Stamford Bridge since November 1994,
but the Merseysiders will look to defy recent history and end that barren
run.
One win in eight league games doesn't suggest an upset is on the cards with
Everton 12th in the table and only seven points above the relegation places.
But the Toffees' only defeat in their last six games was a penalty shoot-out
FA Cup exit at West Ham and they head to London after drawing 0-0 with
Merseyside rivals Liverpool on Saturday thanks to a third successive clean
sheet in the league.
Team news
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas is likely to be back for the home game after
missing two matches with a hamstring problem, but it remains to be seen if
Filipe Luis (calf) is available to return.
Fabregas's expected return will present the manager with something of a
dilemma because Brazilian Ramires has excelled as his midfield deputy after
a season plagued by injury.
Diego Costa scored twice in Chelsea's win at Goodison Park, but the Spain
striker will be missing, serving the last tie of a three-match ban.
Romelu Lukaku will be eager to make an impact in his first appearance at
Stamford Bridge since his move to Everton from Chelsea was made permanent
last July.
Martinez will be hoping Leighton Baines (knee) can return after missing the
derby, but Aiden McGeady will miss out with a knee problem sustained in
training.
The game may also come too soon for Steven Pienaar (knee), while Leon Osman
(foot) and Tim Howard (calf) are still sidelined.
Opta stats
Chelsea have won just six of the last 16 Premier League games against
Everton (W6 D6 L4).
Steven Naismith has scored in three of his last four Premier League
appearances against Chelsea.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League home games against
Everton W10 D9 L0).
The Londoners have won 32 and lost just one of their last 39 Premier League
matches at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have kept 15 clean sheets in their last 19 Premier League home
games, conceding just six goals in that run.
Merson's prediction
Everton are struggling. I don’t think I’ve seen a more comfortable
performance for Liverpool at Goodison Park. I don’t see anything other than
a Chelsea win especially after the boost at the weekend with Man City not
winning.
There’s still a long way to go but I think Chelsea will win the league.
They’ve got a better attitude than Man City, who just turn up for the lesser
games and think they will turn teams over.
PAUL PREDICTS 2-0
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