The Saturday teatime clash sees Ronald Koeman’s Toffees head to Stamford Bridge to face in-form Chelsea.
October has been Chelsea’s month in the Premier League. Four wins – including a 4-0 thumping of Manchester United – and four clean sheets have seen Antonio Conte’s side make their presence felt at the top of the table.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard celebrates scoring their third goal with Diego Costa
The Blues sit just a point off top spot going into the weekend, but face a potentially tricky test against an inconsistent Everton side. A point at the Etihad showed that the Toffees are capable of matching the top teams on their own turf, but they have also let themselves down with defeats at Bournemouth and Burnley.
The Key Battle – Diego Costa vs Ashley Williams
The Spaniard leads the Premier League scoring charts with eight goals, the latest of which was his stunner in last weekend’s win at Southampton.
Everton’s Ashley Williams (L)
Williams has slotted in well alongside Phil Jagielka in the Everton back four and, as with any defender up against Costa, will have to resist the temptation to get involved with any needless scuffles and instead focus on his defensive duties.
Last Meeting:
The most recent battle between these two sides came in last season’s FA Cup, when an inspired performance from Romelu Lukaku helped Everton on their way to a 2-0 win at Goodison Park.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring against Chelsea last season
Last season’s league meeting at Stamford Bridge ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but Everton have not won at Chelsea since 1994.
Recent league form – most recent last:
Chelsea – LLWWWW
Everton – WDLLDW
Who’s the ref?
Robert Madley takes charge in West London for what will be his ninth match of the season.
The 31-year-old took in Chelsea’s League Cup win at Leicester in August, while Everton fans may remember Madley as the man who dismissed Ramiro Funes Mori in last season’s Merseyside derby defeat at Liverpool.
Referee Robert Madley
What time is kick off?
The match at Stamford Bridge kicks off at 5.30pm.
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 1 are broadcasting this clash live, with coverage beginning at 5pm.
Live radio commentary is available on TalkSport.
Odds
Chelsea – 4/7
Draw – 16/5
Everton – 5/1
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