Everton believe they are ready to pounce on any mistakes Liverpool make now in the race for fourth spot in the Premier League.The Toffees, who saw a run of four success league wins come to an end at Fulham on Sunday, are confident they can still grab the final Champions League spot from their rivals.
They face West Ham at Goodison Park on Saturday evening ahead of Liverpool's daunting trip to Manchester United on Sunday.
And this is the point, claims defender Leighton Baines, that can see Everton close the three-point gap between the Merseyside rivals.
If Everton beat the Hammers and United overcome Liverpool at Old Trafford, the gap will be down to just goal difference.
And then Liverpool and Everton clash head-on the following weekend in the most important Merseyside derby in years.
Baines, who has been back in the squad of late following persistent injuries, said: "It is a big couple of weeks coming up for us. It is still all to play for.
"And to go to Anfield to play Liverpool the following weekend, with us level would be great.
"Liverpool have got some tough games coming up, they can drop points, so as long as we can keep getting points on the board we are still in it."
Everton have injury problems involving Andrew Johnson (groin) and Tim Cahill (hip) while striker Victor Anichebe is also battling against a hip problem.
Thomas Gravesen and Manuel Fernandes are also injury concerns, which leaves Everton with a severely weakened squad to face West Ham.
Everton will be looking for their third win of the season against the east Londoners, having knocked them out of the Carling Cup and also won in the league at Upton Park.
It means that boss David Moyes will be looking for the continued good form of midfielder Leon Osman to fill the void left by injured colleagues.
Moyes said: "Leon is a really good team player for us. We have asked him to play in two or three different roles recently, but the more we see him, central midfield might be his best position.
"He can also play wide, while he has also been a forward. More importantly, he is a team player.
"I have said many times he could make the step up to the international stage. Some of his performances are very close to international quality."
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