The race no one wants to win – are Everton serious top-five contenders?

Everton have competed sporadically in Europe throughout the 21st century, most recently in the 2017–18 season when they appeared in the Europa League.

They have not participated in the Champions League since the 1970-71 season, when it was known as the European Cup.

But in eighth place in the Premier League, just three points off the top five with seven league games remaining, the Toffees are in serious contention to not only compete in Europe but perhaps even reach the continent’s top competition.

Manager David Moyes was keen not to get carried away with the idea of ​​Champions League football at Hill Dickinson, but he did not shy away from what being in Europe would mean for the club.

“I like to say it was [a possibility] “I’m trying to be more positive than I usually am, but just having Everton in the European squad is unbelievable, whether it’s in the Conference League or the Champions League,” Moyes said.

“We were sitting here last year, just starting to get away from relegation and we still had a lot of money to pay, new ownership and 10 or 12 players out of contract – so to be in the position we are in now is fantastic.

“I can imagine, if we can do that, what it will do for the fans here as the Evertonians are desperate to get back among them.”

Champions League football may have seemed like a pipe dream for a club that has spent more time trying to avoid relegation in recent seasons, but under Moyes, the team have enjoyed a comeback that has made that dream a reality.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Scot said that a top-10 finish would be a “really good year” and that they would “try to give ourselves a chance to participate in European competitions”.