The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

Journalist Joe Bray believes Manchester City must be wary of Everton for Sunday's fixture, and is convinced that Pep Guardiola thinks that it is the most difficult remaining league game for the reigning champions.

Writing for the Manchester Evening News, Bray explained: “Pep Guardiola sees struggling Everton as the toughest game in City’s fixture list between now and the end of the season, having mentioned Goodison Park on multiple occasions to illustrate that nothing has been won yet despite plenty of treble talk.

“It's notable that Guardiola has regularly referred to the upcoming game at Goodison, rather than against Everton, and a look at Guardiola's record on the Blue side of Stanley Park suggests why he has every reason to be apprehensive over this weekend's latest visit.

“The 4-0 defeat in 2017 clearly hasn't been forgotten, and despite the unbeaten record since, the last few meetings with Everton have been far from straightforward. Earlier this season, City dominated at the Etihad but conceded to Demarai Gray's stunner and dropped two points on New Year's Eve.

“City will underestimate Everton at their peril, and Guardiola's weeks-long concern suggests he will not allow his players to think about next week's second leg against Real Madrid.”

Meanwhile, in the Liverpool ECHO, fans have been reacting to Everton’s incredible win over Brighton.

Luke Davies was full of praise for Blues’ duo Abdoulaye Doucuoure and Dwight McNeil.

“It was a performance any Everton team throughout time would’ve been proud of, never mind one struggling at the foot of the table,” Davies wrote. “The first half in particular was mesmerising, with Dwight McNeil putting in a flawless performance.

“Another highlight was Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has been transformed into an attacking threat since Sean Dyche took the reins at Goodison Park.

"This must surely give the players the belief and confidence to move forward and bounce into the three remaining games. They haven’t just beaten a fellow struggler - Brighton have been and will still be mentioned as contenders for Europe. Every player on that pitch on Monday came away with their heads held high, and they deserve all the plaudits they get.

Davies went on to preview Sunday’s clash against Manchester City, and believes City’s UEFA Champions League involvement could benefit the Toffees.

“The Blues take on the tough task of rampant Manchester City this weekend. This game, sandwiched between two European semi-final ties for City, may play into Everton’s hands.

"Yes, Pep Guardiola’s ‘second string’ could still challenge for the title, but the potential resting of players may give Everton hope in such a pivotal game.”