“Stamford Bridge has always been a really hard place to go and play because of the quality of the players Chelsea have,” says the Goodison manager. “You need to work hard to get anything against Chelsea, and we’ll go there and try to do something similar.
“Chelsea’s system has changed now (under Ancelotti) than in the last two or three years. They have tended to play 4-3-3 and now they are playing more of a diamond formation.
“We’ll have to alter our plans a little bit, but the main thing overall against Chelsea is the quality of their players. They’ve got really good players in almost all positions.”
Everton have won only one of their last nine league games but signs lately have suggested they may be through the worst of their autumn slump in form.
They followed Europa League victory in Athens with a stirring comeback to ensure a point against Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday.
And Moyes says: “We’re going to need the spirit we showed against Tottenham for the whole of the rest of the season, and not just the game in at Chelsea. If you aren’t playing well, that spirit is the kind of thing that can pull you through.
“If you are 2-0 down and you get back to 2-2, then it feels like a victory, especially when the opposition gets a penalty in the last minute to win the game.
“But we have to make sure we don’t get ourselves in that position if we can help it. But until we get a few more players back, we might find we have a bit of a rollercoaster until we get a little bit of consistency in selection and more people to choose from.”
Among the players to have already returned to action is Steven Pienaar, with the South African wasting no time in underlining his creative influence on the team during the past three weeks.
“Steven is one of our key performers,” adds Moyes. “We missed him for about 10 games and since he came back he has made a difference.
“We are now beginning to use him more as central midfield player. We know that we have lacked creativity and are looking to find ways of doing better in that, and we can play Steven wide and he also plays behind the strikers for South Africa, so he can do a job in a number of positions.”
Leighton Baines is hoping today’s match will give him the opportunity to catch the eye of England coach Fabio Capello.
Baines will be in opposition to Ashley Cole, Capello’s first-choice left-back and, barring injury, a cert to be on the plane to South Africa for next summer’s World Cup finals.
And for the Everton man, it is the ideal stage to show his credentials.
“I don’t think anyone could argue with Ashley Cole (being first choice),” said Baines. “For me he is the best left-back around, no question. But there will be a few of the England boys on show and I’m sure the England manager will be paying close attention to the game. So there is that extra incentive to really go out and put in a performance.
“I’ve always been a massive admirer of Ashley Cole. Right from his younger days at Arsenal, it’s fair to say that I was in awe of him. I think he’s showing that form again right now. He’s back to his very best, I think.”
