The goal is clear for Everton this season.
As Jarrad Branthwaite revealed earlier this week, the Toffees are targeting a return to Europe under David Moyes this term for the first time since the 2017/18 campaign – when Roberto Martinez led Everton into the UEFA Europa League.
The England international said: “I think every game is massive now. We want Europe, we’ve said that from the start of the season. We might look at the end of the season and we’re in Europe by a point… so, every game’s huge.”
Everton are in a strong position as things stand – sitting tenth but just four points away from fifth place – and the chances of European qualification have now increased after Manchester City joined Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday night.
Do Everton have what it takes to make it back to Europe…
“I really hope I can earn the opportunity to get back into European football here at Everton.”
David Moyes
How Manchester City defeating Newcastle could impact Everton
After Manchester City recorded a 3-1 win over Newcastle on Wednesday to proceed to the Carabao Cup final with a 5-1 aggregate scoreline, Everton may only need to finish eighth to seal a romantic return to European football.
The winners of the Carabao Cup earn a place in the last qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.
However, with Arsenal and Manchester City highly likely to qualify for the UEFA Champions League via the Premier League anyway, that place in the last qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League is expected to drop down to whoever finishes seventh – fifth place is currently set to be given a UEFA Champions League spot once again like last term due to strong results from English teams in Europe this season.
Furthermore, if a side who qualifies for Europe via the Premier League ends up winning the FA Cup this season, the UEFA Conference League spot from winning the Carabao Cup may end up going to whoever finishes eighth.
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Everton are currently just two points away from eighth place, which is currently occupied by Sunderland, so the Toffees are firmly in contention to achieve the goal Branthwaite – who is now fit again – revealed to the fanbase.
UEFA Conference League football would bring millions to Everton
Even qualifying for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League would see Everton receive just over £3m in prize money.
Let’s hear your score predictions as Everton take on Fulham at Craven Cottage!
Debut goal for Tyrique George, anyone? 👀
A custom graphic showing recent Everton results vs Fulham.
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Each win in the competition – this season at least – is also worth a sum of £337,067 while a draw would see Everton make £112,075.
So, a return to European football would not only mean Everton achieved their target for the season, but it could also give Moyes a bit more cash to play with in the summer transfer window.
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