Premier League: Chelsea v Everton match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge

Everton manager Roberto Martinez looks on (GETTY IMAGES)

Ahead of their midweek Champions League trip to Galatasaray, Chelsea first face Roberto Martinez’s Everton in the league on Saturday lunchtime.

Everton travel to the capital having not tasted victory at Stamford Bridge for nearly 10 years and to face a Chelsea side that haven’t lost at home all season, winning 11 of their 13 home games in doing so.

Chelsea have been in fine form in recent weeks but were dumped out of the FA Cup last Saturday by Man City, whereas Everton produced a quality second half display to knock out a dogged Swansea side.

A victory is vital for both sides if theyc are to stay on course with their respective goals for the season. A Chelsea win would keep them top of the Premier League while Everton need a positive result to keep in touch with Tottenham and Liverpool in the hunt for a European place.

Chelsea could make some changes to their starting line-up with one eye on the trip to Turkey on Wednesday while Everton will be hoping the superb form of full-backs Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman, a real highlight for them this year, can help turn around Everton’s indifferent away form so far this season.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm

PAST MEETINGS…

Everton 1 (Naismith) Chelsea 0, Premier League, September 2013

Chelsea 2 (Mata, Torres) Everton 1 (Naismith), Premier League, May 2013

Everton 1 (Pienaar) Chelsea 2 (Lampard (2)), Premier League, December 2012

Everton 2 (Pienaar, Stracqualursi) Chelsea 0, Premier League, February 2012

Everton 1 (Saha) Chelsea 2 (Kalou, Sturridge), Carling Cup Fourth Round, October 2011

Chelsea 3 (Sturridge, Terry, Ramires) Everton 1 (Vellios), Premier League, October 2011

STATS…

Chelsea have the best home record in the league with 11 wins, 2 draws and no defeats

Everton have the worst away record and scored the fewest away goals of the top 9 teams

Chelsea haven’t lost in the league in 11 games

Everton’s last victory against Aston Villa was their 300th in the Premier League, Roberto Martinez’s 100th victory in English football and his 50th in the Premier League

Everton have not beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1994

ODDS…

Chelsea to win: 1.57

Everton to win: 5.8

Draw: 4.0

TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 12.45pm, highlights on Sky Sports 1 Match Choice from 10.00pm and BBC 1 Match of the Day at 10.30pm