James Tarkowski has told the Everton website his side are confident going into the last round of Premier League fixtures as the race for 17th takes its final turn – with Leeds and Leicester hoping to leapfrog Sean Dyche’s side.
The Toffees currently sit in 17th place, with Nottingham Forest now safe in 16th place after beating Arsenal last time out. Leicester are in 18th, above Leeds on goal difference in 19th. Leicester can survive even if Everton only draw.
Tarkowski – who has played every single minute of Everton’s Premier League campaign – will be hoping to help his side beat Bournemouth at Goodison Park. But due to Leicester’s goal difference, a draw gives The Foxes a chance.
That is due to Leicester’s better goal difference. A win over West Ham would take them level with Everton if they draw, but above on goal difference. Leeds can survive with a win over Spurs if Everton draw, but need a big win.
Indeed, they need a three-goal swing against Ryan Mason’s side. Ideally, Bournemouth beat Everton. Then, Leeds need West Ham to get a result at Leicester – and to win. Unlikely. Tarkowski gave his verdict ahead of Sunday.
“I’ve not focused on other teams. You see the results but people try to paint pictures in certain ways. Ultimately, it’s in our hands. We’re in the better position of the three teams. We know we need to win and that’s all we focus on.”
Tarkowski confident as Leeds hope to leapfrog Everton and Leicester
You have to be confident in Everton’s position. They arguably have the easiest test on Sunday, with all three teams involved playing at home. Bournemouth have nothing to play for, and are on their holidays following the match.
Leicester take on West Ham who will want to gather some momentum heading into the Europa Conference League final. But they may rest some crucial players – such as Declan Rice, Lucas Paqueta, Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen.
Leeds have the toughest test. Tottenham and Mason still have something to play for, even if it is only trying to win a place in the Europa Conference League. However, Spurs are in woeful form. Everton are favourites and rightly so.
