Everton host Arsenal on Sunday afternoon knowing that victory at Goodison Park will close the gap to the Gunners to one point.
The Toffees have recorded four league wins in a row, and a fifth success would arguably make them favourites for the final Champions League spot.
Manager Roberto Martinez is still without defender Phil Jagielka, but midfielder Ross Barkley is expected to be fit after being withdrawn at half time in last week's 3-1 win at Fulham.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has witnessed his team slip seven points behind leaders Liverpool after three matches without a win.
The Gunners still have title ambitions, but Wenger will be focused on avoiding defeat on Merseyside to ensure that they remain in control of their top-four place.
Wenger must decide whether to hand an immediate start to Aaron Ramsey, who returns to the squad for the first time since Boxing Day after recovering from a thigh injury.
Recent form
Everton: WLWWWW
Arsenal: WDWLDD
Possible starting lineups
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Baines, Stones, Distin; Barry, Deulofeu, McCarthy, Naismith, Barkley; Lukaku
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Vermaelen; Flamini, Cazorla, Arteta, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Giroud
Sports Mole says: 1-1
Darren Plant
