Carlo Ancelotti has urged his Everton squad to attack a defining period and insists they will be able to cope with their hectic schedule.
Everton face Leicester on Wednesday night then tackle Arsenal on Saturday before a Goodison Park Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United in seven days; they then travel to Sheffield United on Boxing Day before hosting Manchester City 48 hours later.
A 1-0 win over Chelsea last Saturday has put them firmly in contention for European football and Ancelotti has big ambitions for his players.
He feels Everton are better when they are playing more frequently and wants to see a big performance at the King Power Stadium.
'I think it is a really important period,' said Ancelotti. 'It's a good test for us. We arrive at this period in a good condition, with a good motivation. I hope we are going to do well to have results but more to compete with these teams.
'Fortunately we don't have a lot of problems in this moment. Apart from Lucas Digne and Fabian Delph, whot are out in this month, the others who aren't playing (regularly) are in good condition.
'The pressure that I have is that (major shareholder Farhad Moshiri) has a lot confidence in me. He has trust because he signed me.
'He brought be to Everton so this means a lot for me. I'm doing it to bring his club to the top. That is my goal and what I promise to him.
