Everton could be about to get relegation boost in unexpected place

Frank Lampard has insisted Everton must focus only on themselves as the season reaches its climax.

But supporters fretting over the club's survival prospects will be paying keen attention to Old Trafford tonight. Manchester United host Chelsea, the Blues' next opponents, and the game could have significant implications for Sunday's tie at Goodison Park.

The fixture means Chelsea will only have two full days to recover for their visit to Merseyside, compared to the week between matches for Everton. That could prove vital, particularly after Chelsea laboured to a late win against West Ham last weekend.

Should Chelsea win on Thursday it would take them one step closer to securing Champions League qualification. While the Stamford Bridge side are under little pressure from outside the top four, victory would move them 10 points clear of fifth place Tottenham Hotspur with five games remaining. Their goal difference is also vastly superior. Three points in Manchester may, therefore, allow Chelsea to start turning their attention to other matters including the FA Cup final.

With manager Thomas Tuchel refuting suggestions he could leave in the summer, the rest of the season may also represent an opportunity for him to take a look at squad players as he decides their fate. Rumours are circulating about the future of several of the sides' stars - Antonio Rudiger having already announced his plans to leave.

Alternatively, should Chelsea lose, it would highlight the vulnerabilities Everton could focus on against a side that has conceded four goals at home twice this month - to Brentford and Arsenal. Jarrad Branthwaite's goal against Chelsea in the 1-1 draw in December showed Everton are capable of battling the current European