Robben insists he can be central to Mourinho’s plans
Shevchenko was axed by Mourinho for Wednesday night’s home match with Newcastle while Robben was recalled to the starting line-up for the first time in nearly a month.
Mourinho has been utilising a 4-4-2 formation for most of the season but he switched back to 4-3-3 in the 1-0 win over Newcastle. The Holland international had an impressive game and is now hoping he can hang on to his place even if Mourinho reverts to 4-4-2 against the Toffees.
Robben said: “As a player you always want to play. But we’ve been playing a lot of 4-4-2 this season. The only thing I have to do is show him my qualities in training and when I play.
“That’s the only thing I can do and I think I’ve done that. I was injured at the start of the season but I think I’ve been playing well since I came back.
“I’ve played in the middle with Didier and I think I can play in that system — for me it is not a problem.”
Robben accepts that being out of the side is frustrating but remains adamant he will never go banging on the manager’s door in a bid to influence his selection policy.
The Dutch international added: “I’m not really a player who talks to the manager like that. I would rather show him on the pitch than go and see the manager. I don’t think that is the thing to do.”
Chelsea boss Mourinho has doubts over centre-back Ricardo Carvalho and goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.
Cudicini has a thigh injury, while Carvalho was forced out of action against Newcastle in midweek with an ankle problem. Khalid Boulahrouz is on standby to replace Carvalho.
Joe Cole is out for a further three weeks with a broken foot while Didier Drogba is expected to have recovered from a slight hamstring strain in time to be involved.
Meanwhile, Tim Howard is aiming for a double boost when he faces Chelsea. The American goalkeeper not only wants to help Everton secure a victory but he wants to give the London club’s title rivals Manchester United a lift in the process.
Howard is enjoying the experience of playing regular first team matches again during a season-long loan deal from Old Trafford. He said: “Chelsea are champions on merit, so we will have all hands to the pump and see where we go.
“I would like to be able to give them (my friends at United) a ring after the game. Everyone is intrigued by the title race.
“Chelsea have done something that not many teams have done, they have retained the title and they are looking to do that again. Of course if I had to pick one of the two then I’d want it to go to Old Trafford but we have got bigger fish to fry here at the moment.”
Everton’s form has dipped mainly because of a raft of injuries and Howard said: “The uglier the football the better at this point in time.
“It is vital for us to get on top early, as you saw when we played Arsenal, even though we ended up with a draw, it makes the game that much easier.”
Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine believes they can give Chelsea a stiff test even with a weakened team. He said: “We want to make sure they don’t close the gap at the top any more.”
Luton 0, Southend 0.
Scunthorpe 1, Blackpool 3; Tranmere v Crewe (postponed).
Hartlepool 1, Rochdale 0.
Auckland City 0, JeonbukMotors 3.
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