Neville: Time to start achieving March 28 2008
Phil Neville has insisted Everton must meet the challenge head on to beat Liverpool to fourth spot in the Premier League.
Five points dropped from their last two games leaves David Moyes' side going into Sunday's 207th Merseyside derby at Anfield two points behind their neighbours.
If they lose there, the Toffees will have a mountain to climb in the race for UEFA Champions League football next season.
But if they can take advantage of the Reds' distraction and dismay following last Sunday's defeat at Manchester United, it will be very different.
"When you play consistently well as we have done all season, you automatically raise the bar of expectation," said club captain Neville.
"That is a challenge we need to meet head on. Just doing enough now is no longer acceptable at Everton, and we must start to achieve now.
"For us to finish fourth in the best league in Europe would represent a wonderful achievement."
Neville knows Everton's objectives will be tough to achieve, but his rallying cry is clear - with an apparent dig at the under-achievements of opponents such as Liverpool.
He said: "Certain clubs set out at the start of each season with the aim of winning the Premier League - so for them to finish third or fourth would be a disappointment.
"It will mean they have under-achieved. But not us. We know we are unlikely to be crowned champions, but for us to qualify for the Champions League would be great.
"I feel there will be a few thrills and spills along the way between now and May. There are too many big games for all the clubs involved for the position not to keep changing.
"We have just got to make sure we capitalise on any slip-ups that other teams make. We are not favourites for fourth place, but we are going to give it our best shot."
After the derby, the Toffees face strugglers Derby and then Birmingham while the Reds run into arguably tougher games with Arsenal and Blackburn, so there are plenty of chances for those slips Neville is predicting.