Everton midfielder Darron Gibson is hoping to prove his fitness in order to feature in Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash against Chelsea at Goodison Park.

Gibson - eligible after his red card in last week's win at West Ham was overturned - was withdrawn at half-time against Wigan on Boxing Day with a thigh strain.

Right-back Seamus Coleman could return after a knock but midfielder Marouane Fellaini completes a three-match ban and defender Tony Hibbert (hamstring) and striker Kevin Mirallas (calf) are out.

Manager David Moyes is looking forward to renewing his rivalry with former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

Benitez, now interim manager at Chelsea, is set to receive a hostile reception at Goodison Park on Sunday from fans who will not have forgotten one infamous taunt in 2007.

The Spaniard referred to Everton as one of the Premier League's ``smaller teams'' after they held Liverpool to a frustrating goalless draw at Anfield.

Overall, Moyes clashed 14 times with Benitez during the latter's six-year spell with the Reds. Everton only managed to win three of those games, all at Goodison.

``It was always tough because Liverpool had a great team,'' Moyes said.

``It was always hard to get the better of them. They had a tremendous team, and still have.

``I think he (Benitez) always wanted to be in the Premier League. I think he enjoyed his stint here.

``I think, like a lot of people who come to this country, he enjoyed the honesty and the way the Premier League is played.

``I think he has bided his time to get another job.''

John Obi Mikel is an injury doubt for Chelsea.

Midfielder Mikel will have a fitness test on a knee injury along with left-back Ryan Bertrand (groin).

Ramires is expected to return from a knee knock but Sunday's game is set to come too soon for John Terry (knee), while Daniel Sturridge could be omitted from the squad again ahead of his proposed move to Liverpool.

Benitez, meanwhile, has refused to rule out a second coming at Liverpool ahead of his first match on Merseyside as Chelsea boss.

Interim Blues manager Benitez has been linked previously with a return to Anfield and will be a free agent again at the end of the season.

And asked if he could see himself returning to manage his former club one day, he said: ``At the moment, I'm really pleased here.

``I want to keep winning and you never know what can happen in football.

``I have a very good relationship with the fans and the city but I'm a good professional and that means I will give 100% for this club.''


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Come on Chelsea. Let's end the 2012 on a high note. Thank God fellaini is unavailable

Common you Blues!
Everton is a difficult team to play, but i think Chelsea will carry the day.

Chelsea!!!!

Everton 1 - 3 Chelsea

#KTBFFH!

Una knw how una they chop am now

Everton 0 chelsea 5

I know say Everton go beat us, but we go hold their blokos

Blues all the way

boron10: I know say Everton go beat us, but we go hold their blokos

A decent Chelsea fan

Speechless for now.

dis is Goodison park so trade carefully! U guyz r lucky Fellaini is absent bt watch out 4 Pienaar

good luck everton !!

tyson55: Common you Blues!
Everton is a difficult team to play, but i think Chelsea will carry the day.

are u the guy on kickoffnigeria. I always like ur analysis

Fellaini

go CHELSEA!

It is full time @ Goodison Park, its Everton 0-2 Chelsea. Well done Rafa, well done chelsea. Blues 4 life!

I'm a Chelsea Fans but I see my blues losing todays match or we win by luck, Everton is a very dificult team.

The last point CFC took from Goodison Park was a 0-0 draw in 2008. Everton has the best home record this term, and they are still unbeaten at home. A draw is the realistic expectation here. A Chelsea win is but a dream. May our dreams come true though! Up chelsea!!! Up Mata!!