Carlo Ancelotti predicts the race for Europe will go down to the final game of the season as he hopes to take Everton into the top four later this week.
The Blues kept the pressure on the sides above them with a 1-0 win over Southampton at Goodison and know that a win over West Bromwich Albion on Thursday night will see them move into the Champions League spots.
Ancelotti is not yet willing to talk up Everton's chances of a top four finish this season.
But the boss acknowledges the signal it would send out if they moved into that position with just 12 games to go.
"I think we have a great opportunity [to go into the top four] but I don't know for how long," he said.
"One, two or three days. But we would like to touch the position and we will put in the effort in the next game on Thursday to be there.
"It is really possible to be there in the next game, even if for just one or two games, it doesn't matter."
Asked about the psychological significance of moving into the top four at this late stage in the season, Ancelotti replied: "I think it is a great opportunity to already be in the top four.
"There will be a big fight until the end of the season, until the last game.
"We will be pleased if we can fight for this position."
