Everton vs Chelsea Preview: Blues looking to put European exit behind them

Image credit: VAVEL

Guus Hiddink and hisChelsea side are looking to put to bed their Champions League exit midweek, and book themselves a place in the FA Cup semi finals.

It's the Blues last chance at silverware this season, so Hiddink will be hoping his players can take of advantage of the opportunity.

Last time the Chelsea boss managed in the FA Cup he won it with his current side.

Background

Looking at the previous meetings between these two sides, past results are pretty even - with Chelsea just shading it. They have four wins against Evertonin the last seven, and Everton have two, with only one draw.

The last time these met it ended in a 3-3 draw atStamford Bridge, but that would be good enough come the final whistle on Saturday.

In terms of both teams current form though, it's all been pretty steady.

Everton have four out of their last six games - losing two - and Chelsea have won three of their last six, along with two defeats and a draw.

These two teams love to score goals and play free flowing football against each other, and tomorrow should be no different.

Hiddink is hoping to claim a crucial win in the cup. | Image source: Chelsea FC

Team news

Chelseaa striker Diego Costa looks set to be a doubt for the FA Cup tie, while Eden Hazard also looks unlikely to take any part - he is recovering from a groin problem.

The Blues fans though may eventually see January signing Alexandre Patomake his debut with Chelsea short on attacking options. Kurt Zoumahowever is still one of the long terms absentees.

Everton however will be missing midfielder Kevin Mirallas, this is because of a red card he picked up in a league game last weekend.

Leighton Baines could make a return to the side, as he has been receiving treatment for a long term ankle problem. Roberto Martinez does expect Tom Cleverley and Gareth Barry both to return from illnesses.

Players to Watch

Willian: When Chelsea's strikers have failed to deliver this season, their Brazilian maestro has always been there to help out. As of late he has been a little quiet, with goals and assists not coming for him. But the FA Cup gets everyone fired up, and I think that with Costa maybe missing, he can fire Chelsea into the semi finals.

Romelu Lukaku: It's no real surprise that this is the man Chelsea need to watch, plain and simply because he's a goalscorer. The London side sold him to Everton in the summer, and ever since the Belgian has thrived at Goodison scoring goals for fun. Tomorrow Lukaku will want to make sure he shows his old club that they have definitely missed out.