Chelsea travel to Goodison Park on Sunday chasing their 12th consecutive Premier League match without a defeat, and despite the toughness of the opponent this weekend, they have a big advantage in Ross Barkley.
The former Toffees midfielder is acutely aware of how his former side play their football and also can deal relatively better in the individual battles on the pitch. Barkley has recently risen to fine form under Maurizio Sarri and has become one of the important players in the Blues setup.
His goals have come in at a great time when the Premier League giants needed other sources of points aside Eden Hazard.
The 24-year old will fancy scoring against his former side but it will not be due to his good form lately. The central midfielder maintains it will be because he knows his former teammates inside out.
“I’m not nervous, I’m excited to play against my former club and team-mates – I understand how some of them play, so that could be an advantage for me.
On the day I might get a few nerves as it will feel a bit strange. I’m looking forward to catching up with some of the staff there who I used to get on really well with.”
Ross Barkley, Sky Sports
Chelsea are the only side unbeaten in Europe’s top five leagues and will continue with the record if they find a win or draw against Everton this Sunday.