Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge looking to avenge the 3-1 loss in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
The form
Chelsea have improved greatly following Guus Hiddink’s arrival. Being unbeaten in six games may have been something that was common to see in last season’s campaign for the Blues, but this is the first time this year that Stamford Bridge has seen a good run of form. The Dutchman will be hoping to continue his unbeaten return to Chelsea with a win over Everton.
The Toffees come into this game without a win in their last three league games but will take pride from recent cup victories over Dagenham and Redbridge and Manchester City. Despite not being in the best form at the moment, Everton fans have been delighted by the performance of Romelu Lukaku this season. The Belgian forward has scored 15 goals in the league so far and will be hoping to fire the blue half of Merseyside back up the league table.
Will Chelsea regret selling Lukaku?
Lukaku arrived at Stamford Bridge as an 18-year-old having impressed as a teenager at Anderlecht. He was vocal about his disappointment during his first season with Chelsea, even going as far as not holding the Champions League trophy in 2012 after claiming that he did not feel like a winner.
Following two seasons saw the Belgian loaned out to West Brom and Everton where he impressed massively. Being top scorer for both clubs during his time there and with Chelsea lacking a proven goal scorer at the time, it seemed to Lukaku would finally be given the first team opportunity he so desired.
Yet with the arrival of Diego Costa, Jose Mourinho saw it fit to sanction the sale of Lukaku and he returned to Everton, becoming the Toffee’s record signing at £28 million.
Now the Belgian international has his opportunity to show his former club what they’re missing by continuing his fine form. Don’t be surprised to see him grab a goal at Stamford Bridge.
Will Costa continue to impress?
The Spanish international has been one of the players that have been revitalised by Hiddink’s return to Chelsea. Despite being the Blues' top scorer in his debut season last year, Costa was one of the many Chelsea players who suffered a severe drop in form this campaign; a drop in form that has seen the champions drop to near the relegation zone.
However the former Atletico Madrid man has scored four goals in his last five games for Chelsea and he looks like he will be returning to form. It appears the focus on this game will be the main strikers for both teams to impress.
What do the stats say?
The omens are not good for Everton coming into this game. If history is to repeat itself as it so often does the Blues should feel good going into this game. Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 20 home games against Everton, and Roberto Martinez has never managed to win there in his time as a manager.
One stat that could repeat itself is the timing of the winners. Chelsea have won their last two home games against Everton by scoring late winners, in the 89th and 90th minutes of the games. Defending deep into the game will be something that Martinez will be looking at.
