Leaders Chelsea take on Everton at Stamford Bridge

Cesc Fabregas: Could return to the Chelsea line-up after a hamstring problem

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 looJose Mourinho has confirmed that Cesc Fabregas will return for Chelsea's game against Everton
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: The striker will be eager to make an impact against his former club

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.

Branislav Ivanovic scored the winning goal at Aston Villa

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.