Demba Ba calls for Chelsea response

Chelsea striker Demba Ba says the Stamford Bridge outfit cannot afford to slip up against Everton when the Premier League title race recommences this weekend.

Jose Mourinho's side was held to a 1-1 draw at struggling West Brom in its last top-flight game, and then lost 2-0 in the FA Cup fifth-round tie at Manchester City last Saturday.

The west London club is still top of the table despite dropping points at the Hawthorns, but faces a stern test when Roberto Martinez's top four-chasing team travels to Stamford Bridge.

And Senegalese frontman Ba, who has not featured in Chelsea's last two games, has stressed the importance of responding from recent setbacks against the Merseysiders.

"We lost the last game in the FA Cup and we don't want to lose two in a row. That would be bad," he told Chelsea's official website. "We are just going to do everything on Saturday because it's important to get back to winning ways, it's important for the title race and it's important for our confidence."

Chelsea is just one point ahead of London rival Arsenal in the Premier League, with City a further two points adrift in third spot and Liverpool four behind the leaders.