Chelsea vs. Everton: Antonio Conte's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Quotes

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted he has no regrets about not signing Romelu Lukaku in the summer as he's delighted with the form of Diego Costa. 

The coach was speaking on Friday ahead of Saturday's tussle between the two sides at Stamford Bridge, a game that'll bring two of the most prolific players in the Premier League face-to-face; Costa has eight goals for the campaign, while Lukaku is just one back on seven.

Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror reported during the summer that Chelsea were close to re-signing Lukaku in a deal potentially worth £75 million. However, the striker remained at Everton and has been in blistering form at the start of the campaign.

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Conte chose to focus on the skills of his own sharpshooter when asked about the pursuit of the Everton man, per Paul Brown of the Daily Star:

Nonetheless, Lukaku has been part of an Everton side that has started the season in impressive form under new manager Ronald Koeman; the Toffees are in sixth place in the table coming into this one and can go to within a point of Chelsea should they secure victory.

The Chelsea boss told the press he was expecting a tough challenge from the visitors and called on the supporters to make a big difference for the Blues:

The Italian was also asked about the future of Cesc Fabregas, with speculation rife over his future. Matt Hughes of the Times (subscription required) reported on Tuesday the Spaniard would be shipped out on loan in January.

Conte insisted he's pleased to have the former Barcelona and Arsenal man around, although ESPN FC's Liam Twomey was unsure as to whether his answer carried total conviction:

The manager also stated that while Fabregas had returned to training this week, he would not be in contention to start until after the international break.

Ahead of the contest, Conte also commented on the form of David Luiz, who has been a big hit at the heart of the back three since he rejoined the club from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer.

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Despite having a reputation for leaving his position and making poor decisions, the Italian insisted he's not surprised by Luiz's positive start to his second spell at Stamford Bridge. He also anticipates the Brazilian will get even better in the years to come:

Indeed, with Luiz in inspired form, Chelsea haven't missed the presence of experienced men like captain John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic too much in recent matches; the Blues have won their last four Premier League matches without conceding a goal.

Conte did confirm Terry was available to play if needed, though, insisting he was happy with the standard of the captain's performances:

The Chelsea boss also provided an update on the fitness of Kurt Zouma, who is making his way back to full strength following a long layoff.

There was a positive prognosis from Conte on the defender, although he confirmed the Frenchman is not yet ready for first-team football:

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Conte confirms Zouma will play in the @CheckatradeTrpy game v Oxford at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 4, 2016"

Everton will definitely challenge Chelsea more than recent opponents. Under Koeman, there's been a determination about their defensive play, and you suspect they'll be set up to make things difficult for the Blues on Saturday. Lukaku is a player the home side will need to be wary of, too.

Nevertheless, if Chelsea operate with the verve and authority they've showcased in recent matches, they're a match for any team in the division. A win here for Conte's men would round off an exceptional run of form and send all tied to the Blues into the international break in a hugely positive mood.