Koeman wants consecutive wins at Goodison Park

Everton play their next two games in the Premier League at home and manager Ronald Koeman is targeting six points in the two fixtures to lock up the seventh spot in the table that might end up getting the Toffees into the Europa League.

The Blues sit in seventh place, four points ahead of Saturday’s opponents West Bromwich Albion in eighth. A win against the Baggies will open up a decent lead with just ten games to go after this weekend.

Speaking to evertontv, Koeman said -

“I think it’s really important first that this Saturday we get a gap between us and West Brom. That’s the first step that we need to do.

“I’m fully confident that if we get six points out of the next two home games that we will be able to look at the competition above us in the table - but we won’t make the big mistake of not looking at it game by game.

“First [we’ll focus on] this Saturday and we know West Brom are a strong defensive team, really strong at set-plays. It will be a really tough game and we need big support from our fans.”

A win on Saturday will equal the Toffees points totals from the two previous seasons of 47, with another thirty yet to play for, including another home game against Hull City.

“That’s a big part of what we’ve tried to do this season, to be the best outside of the six big teams in the Premier League. Then we can be really happy about our first season.

“We know we would like to make the next step but that is more difficult than making this first step. But so far the team is doing well and everyone is feeling positive about the performances. Keep strong at home - that’s the message for the players this weekend.”

The Blues have been especially strong at Fortress Goodison, and will be seeking their fifth and sixth wins on the trot at home.

"It’s the understanding with the fans. The team is more confident and more comfortable at home but that’s come after some good results, like the Arsenal and Man City games.

“Our team knows that they are really strong and opponents know it’s really difficult to get a result out of Goodison Park.”