Carlo Ancelotti has set Everton the formidable challenge of getting a minimum of six wins from their final 10 games if they want to qualify for Europe.
Everton threatened to be dark horses for the Champions League in mid-February, when a three-match winning spree against Liverpool, Southampton and West Brom put them in an outstanding position.
A dip in form, though, has checked expectations and Everton have seen Liverpool sneak back into a position to threaten the top four.
Though Everton still have a game in hand on their rivals, they have no room for slip-ups and Ancelotti has demanded a perfect attitude on the run-in to ensure there is no repeat of last season.