Chelsea can strengthen their grip at the top of the Premier League table on Wednesday when they welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho's side opened up a seven-point lead over champions Manchester City on the weekend with a 2-1 victory away to Aston Villa.

After losing to local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on New Year's Day, the Blues have put together a four-game unbeaten run that has included three victories. They also boast the best attack and second-best defence in the top flight.

Despite claims from Mourinho that his side's advantage in the title race means little at this stage of the campaign, there can be no denying that Chelsea are favourites to be crowned champions.

Meanwhile, Everton head to West London struggling to convert draws into wins. Roberto Martinez's men have been held in three of their last four matches, including Saturday's derby with Liverpool.

The Merseysiders occupy 12th place in the table and they will be eager to start picking up victories in order to steer clear of the drop zone.

Chelsea and Everton played out one of the more bizarre games of the season so far when they met at Goodison Park back in August, with a flurry of second-half goals giving the visitors a 6-3 win.

Cesc Fabregas is expected to return for Chelsea after nursing a hamstring problem, while Gary Cahill should be fit following a knock to his knee. Filipe Luis remains sidelined with a calf injury, and Diego Costa will sit out the match as he completes his three-game ban.

Steven Naismith, Leon Osman and Leighton Baines are all likely to undergo late fitness tests for the visitors, who could be without Muhamed Besic.

Chelsea:

Form in Premier League: DLWWDW
Form in all competitions: WDLWDW

Possible starting lineup: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Drogba

Everton:

Form in Premier League: LLDDWD
Form in all competitions: DDLDWD

Possible starting lineup: Robles; Oviedo, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Besic, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas; Naismith, Lukaku

Sports Mole says: 2-0

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