v Everton

On Sat at SB

Thomas Gravesen returns from suspension on Saturday as Everton seek to ensure their Premiership survival against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

David Moyes' four games in charge have produced three wins and 11 goals which have lifted the Toffees away from the drop zone in style.

New captain Duncan Ferguson is also free to play as his suspension for his sending-off against Bolton on Monday does not come into effect until the final three games of the season.

But Ferguson's strike partner Kevin Campbell is expected to remain on the sidelines as he is still struggling to shake off a hamstring strain.

Right-back Tony Hibbert could return from an ankle knock in place of Steve Watson but David Ginola, who has played only a bit-part under Moyes, is expected to miss out after pulling up in training with a calf injury.


Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola admits his side cannot afford to drop points on Saturday if they are to keep alive their hopes of Champions League qualification.

Following their Easter Monday goalless draw at Ipswich, Chelsea trail fourth-placed Newcastle by three points, while Bobby Robson's side also have a game in hand.

Indeed, with just five league matches of their own left, there is now little, if any, room for error left - as Zola appreciates.

The Italian, who returned to the starting line-up at Portman Road, conceded: "We have to win against Everton, nothing else will do.

"We knew it would not be easy against Ipswich but we have to keep believing as it will also be hard for Newcastle. We have to win as many games as possible now."

Evidence of the wear and tear on players was clear this week, with several of them having to report for treatment on the two days off given to them by Claudio Ranieri on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Emmanuel Petit and William Gallas both missed out on any involvement in the game at Ipswich through injury and will face fitness tests before Saturday's game.

Winger Jesper Gronkjaer is also hoping to have recovered from an ankle knock in time to be considered for selection against Everton, but there is still a doubt over Celestine Babayaro.

Frank Lampard and Eidur Gudjohnsen were both rested from the starting line-up at Portman Road, meaning a recall for Sam dalla Bona, who revealed how tiredness was affecting some senior players.

"We didn't play very well against Derby last weekend, but most of the team had played internationals beforehand," he said.

"Then we had to come to Ipswich. It is crazy to play every two or three days but you have to perform.

"I don't feel tired as I don't play all the time. But people like Emmanuel Petit, Marcel Desailly and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink have played 50 games this season and also played for the national team, so in total that's 60 games. It is impossible to feel good all the time."

Chelsea's target nevertheless still has to remain finishing in the top four, with Leeds just three points behind them in sixth place.

"For me, getting into the Champions League would be great. I am a young player and I need the experience. It would also be a big plus for everybody at the club," added dalla Bona.