Everton defender Phil Jagielka insists they can crack the top four this season.
The Toffees have been one of the biggest challengers to the 'Big Four' in recent seasons and Jagielka believes they can still compete despite big-spending Tottenham and Manchester City finishing above them last season.
"Top four is definitely possible and we have the belief that we can finish there but I think last season was when fourth was up for grabs and it's going to be harder now," Jagielka told the Sunday Times.
"If you look at who's invested, what I'd say is we've not stood still but carried on walking where other teams have started to jog. Realistically, that's where we are.
"At the moment, it's maybe hard to have the same spirit as a year ago because it's such a big team and people are naturally disappointed if they're not playing," he added.
"I know it sounds strange but sometimes our strength has been backs against the wall, knowing we've only got 12-13 senior players fit for the next few months and now, every week, five or six internationals are missing out."
