Leighton Baines believes the race for the much-coveted fourth place in the Premier League hinges on the outcome of Sunday's Merseyside derby.

Following Liverpool's 3-0 humbling at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday, Everton are now just two points behind their city rivals in fifth position.

. And former Wigan defender Baines knows a win at Anfield would put the Toffees in pole position to land the final Champions League place at the expense of the Reds.

"We know how much it could mean not only in the race for fourth, but for the fans as well," Baines told the club's official website.

"We will keep aiming for fourth place - we know if we can get a good result there we are right back in it and we know they have some tough games to come.

"We have more home games than away games left."