Everton working on a plan to catch the top six

By a bizarre quirk of the scheduling computer, Everton have already played five of the ‘top six’ sides in the Premier League and every one of those games have been away from home at Goodison Park. Sunday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur will be Marco Silva’s first home game against the ‘Sky Six’ and he’s already shown that he is willing to go on the attack on the road, so we can expect he will set the Blues up to be aggressive this weekend.

“This will be our first game at home against the top six. It will be a good opportunity for us to show our quality.

“We know their quality but we have all the confidence to play our game and do everything to win the match and show during the match we are able to beat them.

“We have all the confidence to do that. We already showed we have the capacity to go up against this these types of teams face-to-face. In some moments we have missed something but I hope we learn from the situation.”

The Blues are ten points behind Arsenal in fifth place, and Silva knows some wins will be required to prevent that gulf from growing if the Toffees are eventually to become a top six side.

“It is something we are working on. It’s not something you achieve easily or faster. Of course our fans want it. They want it tomorrow, for the next match.

“We didn’t achieve the good results for us in the last five matches against them [the top six]. I know the record and all these numbers but I think we can do a different answer on Sunday.

“About the gap, it’s something we are working to achieve. It’s not easy, the things you want other clubs want as well.

“I understand the question of the money, there is a big difference between what some of them have and what we have, but it is part of the game. We have to work with our players and get our team stronger every day and give them the conditions to play strong against these types of teams.

“In my opinion we have enough quality and confidence to play against them and to beat them.”

Spurs are limping along with a number of players on their long injury list and continue to play on three fronts. However, Silva does not expect them to field an easier XI come Sunday.

“It’s possible but they have enough quality to rest some players when they play a tough game against Arsenal [yesterday].

“To rest a striker like Harry Kane shows the quality they have. Pochettino is doing that, he’s resting some of the key players in some games. The attack line they are always changing two-three players for each game. They come here in very good condition as they rested one or two in the last match.

“Of course in some positions they have injuries as well but when you have Moussa Dembele, Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier injured, and you can play Christian Eriksen, Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko, that shows the quality they have.

“We respect them, I don’t see a big advantage for us because of this situation, but I believe in our squad to get a good result and win the match.”

“It’s possible but they have enough quality to rest some players when they play a tough game against Arsenal [in midweek.]

“To rest a top striker like Harry Kane shows the strength they have. They come here in very good condition.

“I believe in our squad to get a good result and win the match.”