Frank Lampard has told his Everton players to “expect the worst” in terms of their relegation rivals’ results as the Premier League survival scrap reaches its climax.
The Toffees travel to Watford this midweek while Leeds, one point below them in 18th place, take on the manager’s old club Chelsea.
A Richarlison strike handed Everton a vital victory over Chelsea earlier this month but Lampard, whose side beat Leicester time out and have only lost once in five games, expect no further favours.
He told reporters on Tuesday: “As much as we enjoyed the weekend, it was a game which got us out of the relegation zone with four games to go but it is very dangerous to relax on that.
“As much as we can talk about the fans, us as players and staff, the only message is we have to go now and finish the job, which is a tough job.
“We have to expect the worst, everyone else can win, but we can control ourselves so there is absolutely no way we can relax. That's the biggest message.
“To underestimate it because Watford are relegated would be our biggest danger. Every game in the Premier League is dangerous, especially when you travel away. The minute you think you have cracked it, it becomes dangerous.”
