Everton v Chelsea preview

Toffees could welcome back duo as Chelsea make changes

Last updated: 26th October 2011   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Everton entertain Chelsea at Goodison Park on Wednesday night with both sides determined to make it through to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

Everton have had to overcome Sheffield United and West Brom to reach the last 16, while Chelsea beat Fulham on penalties in the previous round.

The fight for Premier League points remains the priority for both managers but they are also relishing the challenge of trying to claim the season's first major piece of silverware.

David Moyes' desire to reach February's final is likely to see him name a virtually full-strength starting XI, after confirming that he would be working with the same players that were involved against Fulham rather than fielding youngsters.

The Toffees won 3-1 at Craven Cottage on Sunday to end a run of three straight Premier League defeats, while they will also be able to take confidence from knocking Chelsea out of last season's FA Cup.

The Blues came out on top the last time the sides met, however, prevailing 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League less than a fortnight ago.

Andre Villas-Boas' side suffered a setback at the weekend, though, losing 1-0 to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road to slip six points behind league leaders Manchester City.

Team news

Tim Cahill and Louis Saha could return to the Everton starting line-up after coming off the bench at Fulham.

James McFadden, who rejoined the Toffees last week, is still working his way back to full fitness after the serious knee injury he suffered last season.

Victor Anichebe remains sidelined with a groin problem sustained on international duty with Nigeria in September.

Chelsea look set to turn to their youngsters and fringe players once again.

The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Josh McEachran, Oriol Romeu, Ryan Bertrand, Salomon Kalou, Florent Malouda, Alex and Paulo Ferreira will all be expecting to feature after starting in the previous round against Fulham.

Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa are all suspended and Raul Meireles is cup-tied, while everyone else who started Sunday's defeat at QPR could be rested completely or on the bench.