Wojciech Szczesny
Wojciech Szczesny could return to the Arsenal side against Everton. Reuters.

Arsene Wenger has stressed that he has total faith in Wojciech Szczesny, with the young Pole on standby to return to the starting lineup against Everton on Tuesday as Lukasz Fabianski struggles with a rib injury.

Szczesny was dropped from the side for the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich and Fabianski has been impressive as the Gunners have won five matches in a row with him between the sticks.

But, with Fabianski struggling to be fit following a kick to the ribs suffered in victory over Norwich on Saturday, Wenger was keen to state that he trusts both Szczesny and third choice Vito Mannone.

"I have total confidence, no matter who starts the game," Wenger said, according to Arsenal’s official Web site. "In the past I have shown that, that I trust these players and trust that no matter who plays, they will show their quality.

"We have three good keepers. That's been shown during the season. Everybody had the ability to show his quality and that's what you want."

Arsenal can take another massive step toward a 16th consecutive season in the Champions League with three points at the Emirates on Tuesday evening. The come-from-behind win over Norwich took the Gunners to third in the Premier League.

But it is also a massive match for Everton, with the sixth-placed Toffees able to close the gap on Arsenal to just a single point with the win and reinvigorate their own bid to reach the Champions League.

Manager David Moyes fully realizes how important the match will be in their season.

“If we can go and win at Arsenal, you might say that we've got a chance of being involved in the Champions League,” he said, according to Everton’s official Web site. "If we don't, you'll probably say we've got a chance of making the Europa League. No matter what happens there, the players have given themselves a great chance."

Moyes has no new injuries to contend with following the 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Arsenal will have Tomas Rosicky back available and the Czech could replace Jack Wilshere, who Wenger has admitted he rushed back from injury at the weekend. Per Mertesacker returns to the squad after suspension.

Arsenal (probable)

G: Szczesny

D: Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal

M: Ramsey, Arteta

Walcott, Rosicky, Cazorla

F: Giroud

Everton (probable)

G: Howard

D: Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines

M: Mirallas, Osman, Gibson, Pienaar

Fellaini

F: Anichebe

Prediction: Arsenal and Everton are in good form ahead of what is a crucial encounter for both sides. The Gunners look like finding their best performances at the climax of the season, just as they did to ensure Champions League qualification last year. Yet, they face a real challenge in an Everton side that is arguably back to the level they displayed in the early weeks of the season, with Kevin Mirallas a particular threat.

Theo Walcott could well come back into the Arsenal side and his potential duel with Leighton Baines is a tantalizing prospect and could go a long was to deciding the game’s outcome.

Arsenal will also have to stand up to the physicality of Marouane Fellaini as well as Victor Anichebe.

Everton have the ability to get a result, but they often lack the mentality to impose themselves on the big sides, particularly away from home. Their record at Arsenal -- without a win since 1996 -- is especially poor and it could well continue.

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

Where to watch: The Barclays Premier League match will kick-off at 2.45 p.m. ET. Coverage will be provided by the Fox Soccer Channel. A live stream, which you view at your own discretion, will be available here.