It's fair to say this game has not really got going. There's a subdued atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge - the crowd waiting to be lifted by events on the pitch. It's an even contest between two teams struggling for form.

Image source, Getty Images

First threat from Diego Costa. The Chelsea striker cleverly leaves Kevin Mirallas and Phil Jagielka behind as he powers into the Everton box before he is punished for fouling Leighton Baines - both players ending up in a heap on the floor. There's no tantrum from Costa. Instead he receives a warm round of applause from home fans before being helped to his feet by Everton keeper Tim Howard.

Image source, .

Chelsea are on top at Stamford Bridge so far and although Bryan Oviedo has just volleyed wide, Everton are the side spending most time in their own third. Everton striker Romelu Lukaku had just six touches in the first 18 minutes.  

Everton do look lively on the break but Romelu Lukaku has yet to show what he can do. Instead Everton's first serious attempt comes from a first time shot by the recalled Bryan Oviedo after the ball deflects into his path 15 yards out. It fizzes just wide.

Image source, Reuters

First shot in anger... and it's from the boot of Willian, who is denied by Tim Howard after the Everton keeper spreads himself.

Image source, Reuters

England manager Roy Hodgson is at Stamford Bridge. Let's hope he is still awake. It's been an uneventful start.

There's a break in play after John Obi Mikel is on the receiving end of a robust challenge by Aaron Lennon right in front of referee Mike Jones. He keeps his cards in his pocket and offers words of advice instead to the Everton player.

Signs the game is beginning to open up after a steady start. After Pedro fizzes the ball across the Everton six-yard area the visitors break with Muhamed Besic releasing Kevin Mirallas deep inside the Chelsea half. Kurt Zouma's challenge results in the game's first corner.

Image source, Reuters

Nigel Pearson
Former Leicester manager on BBC Radio 5 live's weekend preview show

"Chelsea were comfortably the best side last year. They made it look easy at times. It is a difficult one to put your finger on why they are where they are this season.

"You can't help but wonder if instances like with the doctor had an effect. There's got to be something that's awry."

Early signs that Willian, who has been in fine form lately, is up for this. The Chelsea man twice wins possession back for the hosts after Everton dominate the early possession. Crisp passing from the visitors but no shots in anger as yet.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last  five league games while Everton have no wins in three top-flight matches. We're under way. The visitors are wearing white shirts and black shorts.

Chris Sutton
Former Chelsea & Norwich striker on Final Score

Image source, Getty Images

"Chelsea aren't going to get into the top four, but the good news is that Hiddink has come in and calmed things down - the sideshow of Jose Mourinho has gone. They won't get relegated either."

Here come the teams....

It's a day for hats, coats and scarves and for Diego Costa... gloves. But the Chelsea striker is not the only player determined to keep his hands warm on a freezing afternoon in London.

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Bower
MOTD commentator at Stamford Bridge

"Everton have been resilient on their travels this season and will feel this could be the weekend to end their dreadful record at Stamford Bridge.

"Guus Hiddink has brought a much-needed calming effect to Chelsea but their defensive frailties are, at times, still there for all to see.

"If Diego Costa can channel his aggression sensibly , external and upstage Romelu Lukaku, a Chelsea win takes them to within a point of Everton."

Image source, Getty Images

Steven Naismith destroyed Chelsea at Goodison Park in September with a 65-minute hat-trick yet the Scotland international's days on Merseyside are numbered.

The 29-year-old forward is set to join rivals Norwich City after Toffees boss Roberto Martinez said on Friday: "Everything is more or less agreed."

Naismith has made more than 100 Premier League appearances for Everton since joining from Rangers in July 2012.

In case you missed the news earlier, Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin has joined Southampton for a fee reported to be about £4m. 

One or two Everton fans are not happy...

Trevor Sinclair
Former England winger on Football Focus

"Chelsea getting into the top four? Well, on average a team needs 71 points. That means the Blues need to win 2.8 points per game from now until the end of the season. If I was a betting man I'd say they have no chance."  

Can Romelu Lukaku add to his 15 top-flight goals this season against his former club?

Image source, .

Charlie Adam
Stoke City midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live's weekend preview show

"Are Everton a top six team? I don't think so. There's three or four parts to the league. I think it's Stoke, Everton, West Ham, Southampton. John Stones will eventually go to Manchester City or Chelsea or wherever.

"I think we have a better team than them. They're only playing one way. They don't have another dimension. What happens if Romelu Lukaku gets injured?"

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea start six points above the relegation zone after two wins in eight Premier League games. The good news for interim boss Guus Hiddink and his players is that Everton have won just once in their last eight top-flight outings.