Socceroos star Cahill was drafted in as an emergency striker for last Saturday's clash at Manchester City, and the midfielder delighted boss David Moyes by scoring a last-minute winner.

Moyes was without a recognised forward at Eastlands, with Aiyegbeni Yakubu and James Vaughan out for the season, whilst Victor Anichebe and Louis Saha were sidelined with back and hamstring injuries.

With an extra 48 hours to prepare for the game, Anichebe is in with the better chance of facing the Blues.

But Moyes has no intention of rushing either player back before the typically chaotic Christmas programme if they are not fit.

That means Australia international Cahill could again lead the line against Luiz Felipe Scolari's side who have a perfect away record this season.

"I thought he was outstanding up front (against City)," remarked Everton assistant manager Steve Round.

"But then we know he can play up there, and the manager has voiced his opinion on that over numerous months.

"It does lessen the anxiety of not having a recognised forward when you've a player like that who can play in a multitude of positions and still perform really well.

"Of course, you never really know whether a player can play in another role until he tries it.

"But then you see Tim in training, you see the type of player he is and the attitude he has, then you know he has the ability, temperament and quality to give a performance, and he did.

"He is a tremendous player, someone who has scored goals all the way through his career, so it wasn't really a surprise.

"We knew he could do it up there. It was just giving him the opportunity to show everybody he could."

Moyes' players will have to dig particularly deep against Chelsea if they are to even take a point against a team that has won all eight away league games this season, conceding just one goal.

When you consider Everton have not beaten Chelsea in their last 20 league and cup meetings - 18 of those under Moyes - the odds are stacked against the Scot.

But Round added: "It's a trait of ours that the spirit and togetherness of the team is unquestionable.

"The manager always asks the players to do their own job, and one more, and that's one of the reasons we are so successful.

"We saw that at Manchester City because their attitude to try to win the game was quite phenomenal, and they got their just rewards.

"Now we'll need it again against Chelsea. Yes, you need that attitude in every game, but especially against the big four.

"On top of that you need that bit of quality, and you need the defining moments to go your way.

"Whether that's a bit of luck or a fantastic moment of skill from a player that makes the difference and gives you the edge, then so be it.

"But first and foremost, spirit is everything."