Blues' faith in Terry unshaken

LONDON - John Terry will captain Chelsea against Swansea City today, despite facing a magistrates' hearing tomorrow into allegations he racially abused Anton Ferdinand.

The England captain is alleged to have used a racist epithet in the league game between Chelsea and QPR on October 23, but has continued to play since.

"You have seen with the off-field events, we haven't stopped using John, and his level of performance has not been affected," said Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas. "If that continues to be the case, we will continue to do it."

Villas-Boas admitted that Chelsea, who lie fourth, are out of the title race.

"I think our motivation must be playing game to game and ensuring Champions League (qualification), which is the minimum objective you can get," he said.

Leaders Manchester City will have Vincent Kompany back from suspension for today's trip to Everton. Second-placed Manchester United host Stoke City, looking to put Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Liverpool behind them.

"I'm glad there is another match on Tuesday," said midfielder Park Ji-Sung. "We can forget about this result quickly and look to the future."

Liverpool are at Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Tottenham Hotspur, in third, host bottom club Wigan Athletic.

Fifth-placed Arsenal, having come from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday, look to take that momentum into their trip to Bolton Wanderers tomorrow.

"That was a good test to show that we had the mental qualities to come back," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Blackburn Rovers host Newcastle United, Sunderland host Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion go to Fulham and Aston Villa entertain Queens Park Rangers.