Everton captain Phil Jagielka relishing battle with Chelsea striker Diego Costa

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Everton centre back and captain Phil Jagielka has stated that he relishing the opportunity to face Diego Costa this weekend in the Premier League, according to the Mirror.

The England international has been in key feature in Everton’s defence this season. The Toffees find themselves in sixth place with 18 points after ten games.

Jagielka admitted that he has had a number of ‘interesting battles’ with the Spain international over recent seasons.

“He likes to get wound up and we have had a few interesting battles, but that’s just one approach,” Jagielka was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

“At other times you’re playing into his hands because that’s how he gets himself into games. It’s all about trying to work out moments of form, moments in the game, exactly what is going on.

“You maybe pick him up, pat him on the back and shake him by the hand and that plays more mind games with him thinking, ‘Well I’ve just volleyed this guy he should be wanting to kill me’.

“But like I say there are different ways of doing it.

“It’s about doing your homework into what sort of guy you’re playing. Some players don’t like to be pressed or harassed.

“There are lots of different types and lots of different nationalities in the Premier League these days, so you have to work it out.”

Everton defeated West Ham United by a 2-0 scoreline last weekend and will be looking to spring a surprise this weekend away to Chelsea.

Costa has been in terrific form lately and has netted eight goals in 12 appearances for the Blues this season and has also provided two assists.

The Blues have kept a clean sheet in their last three games and take on Everton this weekend as they look to increase their winning run.

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