Chelsea will be aiming to reclaim top spot in the Premier League when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton this evening, kick-off 8:00pm.
The Blues, who completed their Champions League group stage campaign in midweek, playing out a 1-1 draw with Russian outfit FC Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge, know that a victory against the Toffees will see them return to the summit ahead of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur playing their respective weekend fixtures on Sunday.
Chelsea did take up residency at the top of the table last Saturday evening after they defeated Leeds United 3-1, but were soon replaced by Spurs at the summit less than 24 hours later.
However, with both Spurs and Liverpool not in action until Sunday once again, Frank Lampard's side, who will arrive on Merseyside boasting an impressive 14-game unbeaten run, will be licking their lips at the prospect of returning to the top once again.
Had Chelsea been facing a trip to Goodison Park a few weeks ago, Lampard may have been a lot more nervous than he may be now. After winning their first four matches this term, Carlo Ancelotti's side's form has dropped off massively in recent weeks, losing four of their last six outings, including back-to-back home defeats.
Despite that, Lampard, who watched his Blues side hammer Everton 4-0 in the last meeting between the two clubs back in March, is anticipating a stern test for his players.
"They started very well. They have quality players, they have a fantastic manager - one of the best in the world - and the Premier League is unforgiving," Lampard said during his pre-match press call on Thursday.
"They have had a few injuries but we all have our own moments and patches where results are challenging. But it doesn't change my thoughts about how to approach playing Everton.
"They are a very, very good side. They have great individuals within collective that can win games. I'm very focused on their strengths and the dangers we face going there.
"We found that out last year. I know it was a different time, different manager although he is still on the staff. But it was a very tough match for us and that should still be on our minds."
As big as the challenge will be that lies ahead for the Blues tonight, Lampard has no shortage of options to call upon.
Aside from being without Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who are both facing spells on the sidelines with hamstring troubles, Lampard has a fully fit squad to choose from, meaning he is likely to make changes to the side that drew with Krasnodar.
Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic will be pushing for a first Premier League start since the goalless draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford back in October.
Issuing an update on Pulisic's fitness, following no shortage of hamstring troubles in recent weeks, Lampard said: "Christian Pulisic had a tiny bit of awareness off the back of the Leeds game game on one of his hamstrings but he's training normally, so we should be as we were."
Elsewhere, the likes of Edouard Mendy, Kurt Zouma, Ben Chilwell, N'Golo Kante and Timo Werner are likely to return after being dropped to the bench against Krasnodar.
Full Chelsea squad available to face Everton:
Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Willy Caballero & Karlo Ziger.
Defenders: Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Fikayo Tomori, Ben Chilwell, Marcos Alonso & Emerson Palmieri.
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, Billy Gilmour, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz & Christian Pulisic.
Strikers: Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham & Olivier Giroud.
