Pressure's on but Ancelotti backs John Terry to lead revival

The Blues take on Everton at home, having been knocked off top spot in the Premier League for the first time in seven months.

They have picked up just four points from their last five games and Terry has been sorely missed in the last three weeks having been out with a sciatic nerve problem in his leg.

Chelsea have huge games against Tottenham, leaders Manchester United and Arsenal in successive weeks this month but Ancelotti is confident Terry can lead them out of their slump.

He said: "It is very important he is back for us because he is our captain and has a strong personality.

"At this time it is important to show personality and character, not just him but all the team. He can support everyone and help them show these skills.

"At this moment it's not easy, the season is not finished but we have to come back to win and play good football.

"I put players under pressure for this game. I want to see everything we can do, character, personality, good play. I think it is one of the most important games for us this season.

"Tomorrow may be the most important game of this season. To be able to move quickly and be able to move forward for the next game.

"Everton are not doing so well but they have always been a strong team with good organisation and skills. We have to pay attention but our aim is to win.

"It is important we win tomorrow and we want to look forward. This is a very important part of the season. I think recently that everything was wrong. We lost top position and have not scored a lot but the most important thing is to close this period with a victory."

The Italian, who took Chelsea to the Double last term, believes the club can still challenge for major honours this season despite their recent poor form. He added: "With this team, we have the same aim and capacity to reach the same objectives. We can win the League and can be competitive in the Champions League.

"Obviously if we do as we did in the last games we can't be competitive in the League and Champions League, but I'm sure we will quickly come back to win games like last season."

Chelsea will be without the injured trio of Alex (knee), Yury Zhirkov (calf) and Frank Lampard (groin).