- Everton sit eighth in the Premier League and three points adrift of Liverpool in fifth.
- As European football beckons, Toffees will keep eye on FA Cup to make task easier.
- Toffees need Man City and Chelsea to qualify for the final to help with Euro push.
With seven games to go in the Premier League season the race for European football is heating up.
Seven points separate Liverpool in fifth and Bournemouth in 13th, making predictions for the final standings incredibly tricky.
Everton have escaped the stresses of a relegation battle and find themselves pushing for Europe – something they have achieved since 2017.
But if they are to make a return to the continental stage, help from two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs would give them an additional helping hand.
Wins from Man City and Chelsea would benefit Everton
Everton’s statement win against Chelsea told the footballing world that they are staking their claim for European football.
While securing Europe would be a phenomenal achievement for David Moyes and his men, one of the few negatives from this season would be the poor displays in domestic cups.
Early exits at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland in the League Cup and FA Cup left Evertonians waiting another year for a trophy.
Even though the Blues have been knocked out of the FA Cup, they will be watching the semi-finals with a keen interest.
The draw for the final four of the cup features Manchester City facing Southampton, and Chelsea squaring off against Leeds United.
As of this moment, Everton remain just outside the European qualification spots, but if a team above them goes on to win the FA Cup, then an additional slot will open, giving them an added opportunity to qualify.
If Manchester City or Chelsea win the cup – and remain in a European qualification league position – then eighth place would guarantee a spot in the European Conference League.
A helping hand is good, but doing it on their own terms is better
Considering how tight the Premier League is this season, an additional European spot will be music to the ears of Everton and their rivals.
| Brentford | A |
| Liverpool | H |
| West Ham United | A |
| Manchester City | H |
| Crystal Palace | A |
| Sunderland | H |
| Tottenham Hotspur | A |
On paper, the Toffees’ toughest games are at home, and while their home form has not been anything to boast about, the victory against Chelsea will give them a confidence boost.
Their away games will come with challenges as West Ham and Tottenham both look to secure Premier League status for next season, but with an outstanding away record that matches up to the best in the league, the Blues will be confident.
Every game is winnable, which is something that has not been said about Everton in a long time.
An extra European spot is helpful, but why not guarantee Europe without the need for an additional spot?
