Ronald Koeman believes that Everton’s clashes with Liverpool and Manchester United will shape their top four ambitions.
An in-form Blues face back-to-back trips to Anfield and Old Trafford at the start of next month, with neither side assured of Champions League qualification.
Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in the box seat despite a 1-1 draw with Manchester City while the Red Devils moved into fifth by overcoming Middlesbrough.
But Koeman sees the clashes as a chance for Everton to set down a marker against their rivals as well as Arsenal, who are level-pegging with his side.
He said: “It’s always depending on yourself.
“We did the first step to win the two home games and we know our schedule, we have the opportunity to now to come closer to the teams above us.
“But we play Liverpool away and Manchester United away [next].
“Still, we get the chance to make the next step and get closer to the teams above us in the table.”
“What is normal in football, we will keep seventh in the table but that’s the first step, really. I will be happy [with that], but we can do more.
“That’s all about Liverpool away and Manchester United away. I’m happy that we get the chance to climb the table.
“That’s good, the rest is what happens with Manchester United, with Arsenal, with the teams above us.”