PREMIER LEAGUE: GOODISON PARK, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2010. KICK-OFF: 2000 GMT
EVERTON:
It does not get any easier for Everton.
Having left Anfield battered, bruised and pointless, David Moyes 's team must attempt to take out their Merseyside derby failure on Chelsea.
The problem is that Chelsea arrive at Goodison Park on top of the table - two points above title rivals Manchester United, who visit Goodison Park on February 20 - having ruthlessly disposed of Arsenal to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games.
However, Phil Neville believes the visit of Carlo Ancelotti 's side is just what Everton require after a painful Liverpool defeat. "We need to lick our wounds, get back to the training ground and look forward to Chelsea," said Neville.
"Games are coming thick and fast at the moment and we can't be feeling sorry for ourselves. You've got to pick yourself up and get on with it. We've got to raise ourselves for another massive game at Goodison.
"We've been showing an outstanding level of performance in the Premier League and we can take a lot of positives from the run that we've been on. I don't think we should be frightened of anyone at the moment.
"We've got a strong squad now, and one that is looking forward to the next month. Let's look forward to them and not be fearful of them."
Strategy: If his team is to become the first since Manchester City to defeat Chelsea in the league, Moyes knows they will have to rediscover the cutting edge that badly deserted them at Liverpool. Despite having an extra man for an hour at Anfield, they struggled to create clear cut chances.
Yet Everton only need look back to December, when they twice came from behind to secure a 3-3 draw at Chelsea, for evidence that they have the capacity to hurt the really big clubs. They will be without some key players but one major positive from the weekend was Mikel Arteta 's 60 minute substitute appearance as the Spanish playmaker continues his comeback from long-term injury.
Injury Update: Moyes is definitely without the suspended Steven Pienaar while Marouane Fellaini is still showing the scars from the Merseyside derby and will not feature. Fellaini, who is on crutches, could be sidelined for several weeks if he has sustained any ligament damage in the challenge which saw Sotirios Kyrgiakos sent off in the Anfield. Long-term absentee Phil Jagielka (knee) is still out.
CHELSEA:
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is determined to build on their 2-0 victory over Arsenal to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League.
The victory against the Gunners took their advantage over Manchester United to two points, but faces a tough test against a team who have proved to be formidable at home in the past two months.
Chelsea struggled to beat Everton on their last encounter, which finished in a 3-3 draw with the Toffees scoring all three goals from set-pieces, and Ancelotti conceding that they had presented a testing challenge for his side.
"It was a strange game because we conceded three goals from set pieces, but we played very well," he said. This will be a different game but we need to win. We need to maintain our position at the top of the league and it will not be easy.
"They are playing very well and lost their last game, so we have to pay attention. It could be an important night in the Premiership because we play Everton and Manchester United are playing Aston Villa."
Strategy: Chelsea are likely to employ the same 4-4-2 tactic as they did against Arsenal with the emphasis on defensive strength and a quick counter attack. Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are expected to shoulder the scoring responsibilities. Joe Cole could be given a longer run out than his three minutes against Arsenal with another substitute appearance.
Injury Update: John Terry has recovered from his dead leg which he suffered against Arsenal. Deco and Juliano Belletti are both unlikely to feature owing to their knee problems. Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa are still long-term casualties with knee problems.
