Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard are both expected to miss Chelsea's must-win game away to Everton this evening.

Striker Drogba is still on the mend after suffering a knee injury, while Lampard will remain with his mother in London, who is suffering from pneumonia.

Having rested several players with disastrous consequences for Monday's 1-1 home draw to Wigan, Chelsea boss Avram Grant is certain to pick his best available side.

Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho are certain to return, with Florent Malouda, Wayne Bridge and Alex expected to make way.

Nicolas Anelka will plough a lone furrow up front in Drogba's absence unless Grant throws caution to the wind by starting Andriy Shevchenko.

Petr Cech will continue to wear both a scrum cap and a chin guard following his training-ground coming-together with Tal Ben Haim.

Chelsea lie five points behind leaders Manchester United with four games to play, although United have yet to visit Stamford Bridge, where the Blues are unbeaten for over 80 league games.