The race no-one wants to win – are Everton serious top-five contenders?

Everton have struggled sporadically in Europe throughout the 21st century; It last appeared in the Europa League in 2017-18.

They have not been able to take part in the Champions League since 1970-71, which was known as the European Cup.

However, the Toffees, who sit eighth in the Premier League and are just three points behind the top five with seven league games remaining, are in serious contention to not only compete in Europe but also reach perhaps the continent’s biggest competition.

Manager David Moyes was keen not to be tempted by the idea of ​​playing Champions League football at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but did not shy away from what being in Europe would mean for the club.

“I’d like to say it is [a possibility] “I’m trying to be more positive than I normally would be, but it’s incredible that Everton are even in the mix for Europe, whether it’s the Conference League or the Champions League,” Moyes said.

“We were sitting here last year, starting to avoid relegation, and still had a lot of money to pay, new ownership and 10 or 12 players out of contract, so it’s great for us to be in the position we’re in now.

“If we could do that, I can imagine what it would do for the crowds here, because Evertonians can’t wait to get in the mix again.”

Champions League football may seem like a distant dream for a club that has spent more time avoiding relegation in recent seasons, but they have enjoyed a resurgence under Moyes that has almost made that dream a reality.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Scot said a top-10 finish would be “a really good year” and that they would “try to give ourselves a chance of qualifying for European competitions”.