Chelsea vs. Everton: Guus Hiddink Talks Relegation, Diego Costa, More in Presser

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has not ruled out the prospect of relegation for his side just yet, despite a small upturn in form under his guidance.

The champions will welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge this weekend. They head into the round of fixtures in 14th position in the table, just six points clear of the relegation zone and 12 points back on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur after their 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion in midweek.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of this game, the Dutchman conceded there are still fears at the club about a potential relegation scrap, per Matt Lewis of the Daily Mirror:

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We all like to look forward, but don’t be unrealistic when you are six points above the relegation line, that is a fact. It was a setback in the 86th minute we got this draw against West Brom which would’ve helped us a lot in going up.

Relegation is a reality. When we started we were one point above the relegation line, and now we have a little bit more of a breathe.

But we have two very difficult games coming up, who have a very good away record in the last ten games. Then Arsenal - two very difficult games. If you don’t gather those points, the Premier League can surprise you.

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Many feel as though the best way for Chelsea to move away from this position of peril is by making some January signings.

The acquisitions of Pedro and Baba Rahman in the summer have had little impact at Stamford Bridge this term, meaning things have gotten a little stale. Hiddink wouldn’t be drawn on transfer targets, but he did confirm that Chelsea do not have to move anyone out before they seek to bring new players in.

"No, we don’t have to sell players to bring in,” said Hiddink, per Lewis. “I’m happy that Remy is now working a full week with high intensity, and if needed he can be on the pitch. That’s good. As long as this is happening, we are not very active in doing other things.”

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Two of the players who haven’t hit the heights of last season are Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas.

In recent outings, they have each shown minor indicators they could be on their way back to full tilt. Hiddink claimed he’s happy with the efforts of both at the moment, per the Chelsea Twitter feed:

Costa was riled up at times during the draw with West Brom, and in frustration, he reportedly punched a hole in the wall of the tunnel after the final whistle, per Daniel Sandford of the MailOnline.

Hiddink tried to play down the magnitude of the matter, but he did defend his centre-forward, insisting the players he comes up against are often just as edgy as he is:

Costa has been Chelsea’s only fit centre-forward for long parts of the season, with Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao both struggling with injuries.

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The latter of the two has suffered a major fall from grace in the past two seasons, looking like a shadow of the player who was once rated as the best No. 9 on the planet. However, even though Falcao remains on the sidelines, Hiddink doesn’t seem to have completely given up on him quite yet:

The manager also touched upon another player suffering with injury in Eden Hazard. Hiddink conceded the Everton game will come too soon for the Belgium international winger:

There have been small signs of progress under Hiddink’s guidance. Going forward, especially, the Blues look a lot more dangerous, and while the wins aren’t coming yet, they are a lot more difficult to beat.

Still, defensively they remain ropey, and as was evident in their draw against West Brom in midweek, consistency is still lacking.

Everton are a team who will provide a stern test, especially with former Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku in such tremendous form.

If the Blues are to start looking up the table rather than over their shoulders, something which Hiddink has conceded is still the case, then three points is imperative in this intriguing fixture.