Chelsea can take another huge step to regaining the English Premier League by beating Tottenham at White Hart Lane this weekend.
Spurs themselves did Chelsea a huge favour by beating Arsenal last week, so hopefully they will be in just as helpful a mood this weekend.
With the title within arms reach, Ancelotti has been using a 4-3-3 formation of late, rotating the centre forward and support players, ahead of the spine of Mikel, Lampard, Alex and Terry.
Branislav Ivanovic may be fit to start, whilst Deco, Joe Cole and Malouda are all possibilities of a recall. It remains to be seen whether Drogba or Anelka starts, or whether they are deployed in tandem.
Spurs are missing Danny Rose, scorer of a wonder goal against Arsenal last week. The young wide player will be replaced by David Bentley. Vedran Corluka could return, though former Chelsea favourite Eidur Gudjohnsen is likely to be a substitute, with Defoe, Crouch and the revitalised Pavlyuchenko seemingly preferred.
Chelsea are four points clear of Manchester United and six clear of Arsenal, with four games remaining. Spurs meanwhile, are one point behind Manchester City in the race for fourth and five points ahead of Liverpool, with a game in hand over Rafa Benitez’s side.
Unusually, Chelsea haven’t won at White Heart Lane since 2005, a game in which the infamous Asier del Horno scored his only Chelsea goal. Last season’s corresponding fixture was the legendary Guus Hiddink’s only defeat in charge of Chelsea, who went down courtesy of a 50th minute goal from Luka Modric. Erratic keeper Heurelho Gomes was particularly outstanding that day.
Ladbrokes has installed Chelsea as short priced 10/11 favourites away from home, with the draw at 12/5. Tottenham though, are a teasing 3/1 to record a win that would hugely affect the title race.