Everton midfielder Gareth Barry insists his side still have plenty to prove after a 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United moved the Blues into the top half of the Premier League table for the first time this year.
Roberto Martinez’s men travel to Aston Villa on Saturday – the club where Barry spent 11 seasons between 1998-2009 – looking to extend a six-match unbeaten run that has seen them win five of those games.
Such form has moved the Blues up to 10th having been just six points above the drop zone as recently as March 20 while hosts Villa have an FA Cup final against Arsenal to look forward to but are currently just two points clear of the relegation places themselves.
Barry said: “It’s such a big game for them and the pressure’s off us. But we still think we’ve got a lot to prove this season.
“We’re looking forward to the game but we know it’s going to be tough because of their situation.”
Everton are hoping to avoid missing out on a place in the top half of the table – or indeed the top eight if possible with eighth placed Swansea City six points above the Blues – for the first time since 2006.
Barry said: “It’s a mini target for us to go from now until the end of the season and try to stay unbeaten.
“Obviously there are some tough games against teams that are battling for survival in the Premier League but we’re confident that we can go and beat anyone.
“I always enjoying going back [to Villa Park].
“It’s a fantastic stadium, I had some great times there so I always look forward to going and playing there and I’m expecting a good game.”
Meanwhile, captain Phil Jagielka has been named Everton’s player of the month for March.
The England international collected his third accolade of the season at a lunch at Liverpool’s Hilton Hotel today.