Everton manager David Moyes insists his side must balance fending off teams below them while chasing those above, with six games of the Premier League season remaining.
The first Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at the Hill Dickinson Stadium takes place this Sunday (April 19th) with both teams remaining in contention for Champions League qualification.
Moyes wants to “keep that dream alive” in what is a hotly-contested race for European qualification with 10 points separating Liverpool in 5th and Newcastle in 14th.
“I want Everton to be in this position every year,” said Moyes.
“We’d like to continue adding and building the club, the next part (of the process) this year has been quite difficult.”
The Toffees head into a crucial run of fixtures particularly at home, with Liverpool and title-contenders Manchester City to come.
Moyes has urged his players to maintain the high standards they have recently set at Hill Dickinson.
Everton could get their third consecutive win at home on Sunday – a positive turnaround after going six games without one.
Liverpool come into the game off a poor run of form with four losses out of five in all competitions, but Moyes is wary of the quality the Reds have.
“They have plenty of quality players, so we can only focus on us and what we can do,” he added.
He said derby games naturally bring “hustle and bustle” and stressed the importance of starting the game well and setting the tone for the 90 minutes.
In-form striker Beto comes into the derby with five goal contributions in five games, and Moyes is pleased with the player’s work rate.
“I’ve seen lots of good signs all year.
“The effort to work is as big as anybody and (his) attitude to improve is so good.”
The striker scored the first goal in the final derby at Goodison Park last season, where a memorable last-minute equaliser from James Tarkowski ensured a positive farewell to the Grand Old Lady.
“(It was) a privilege to take the team at the final Goodison derby, leaving in a good way was pleasing,” added Moyes.
“Now we’re at the Hill Dickinson and want to do the same.”
Moyes also highlighted the impact of recent additions, saying new signings have pushed the squad forward, while praising the group for matching the standards of his previous Everton sides.
He singled out Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for his contribution, noting he has “helped greatly”.
Argentinian midfielder Charly Alcaraz is back training and fit for Sunday, with no other injury concerns for the Toffees.
More importantly, Everton will be boosted with the injury to Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, who boss Arne Slot confirmed will be out for the rest of the season.
A win for Everton will see them reach the 50-point threshold – a feat the Toffees have only reached twice since 2017, the last time they were in a European competition.
More importantly, the win will leave them just two points behind their Merseyside rivals as the race for Europe reaches its climax.
