Ahead of Saturday's clash with Burnley at Goodison Park, Blues midfielder Amadou Onana sat down to answer questions about the season's final stretch, the difference a win this weekend would make, his relationship with fellow midfielders and the added strength he feels from observing Ramadan...

How important does Saturday's game against Burnley feel?

AO: Very important because it's against a team that is in the relegation battle. We've got the advantage that it's at Goodison - our home - and we've got to make it tough to come and face us here. As ever, it's a game we are looking forward to and it's a game we're looking to win.

Burnley's performances have improved recently and they've been picking up more points. Have you had chance to have a look at them yet?

AO: Yes. Obviously, we played them twice this season as well so we know what they're about and we know what we need to bring to the game to get the result we want. I feel confident. I know they've been doing quite well in the past few weeks and we definitely won't be under-estimating them but I'm confident in the quality we have in this team.

What difference does a win this weekend make?

AO: A lot, of course. It would give us a certain depth between ourselves and the relegation zone. It's important because they are a direct rival at the moment, so the result means a lot. The focus has to be on our performance - we've had some good ones without getting the wins recently but if we can keep that level it will come. The mentality has been good and we always stick together as a team.

Let's talk about Ramadan. It's been a refreshing approach from the Premier League in recent times to pause games to allow players to break their fast. We saw it against Newcastle earlier this week. What did that mean to you?

AO: It's a nice feeling because it's showing that people respect you and your faith and belief. A thanks to the Premier League for that.

With yourself, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure all observing Ramadan and playing such key roles, how do you support each other during this time?

AO: It doesn't change a lot, to be honest, but I feel like maybe we're even closer because we stick together to make it work. It's nice having them both by my side and supporting me in every possible way they can. It's always nice sharing the pitch with them and the times off the pitch, too. Our football schedules haven't changed at all, but then we have the same schedules away from the pitch at the moment now as well, so we're together a lot. 

Do you feel like you can be a role model to other people, particularly other Muslims, during this time?

AO: I feel like faith gives you a different type of strength - mental strength, physical strength. I also think there are jobs that are way harder than being a professional football player and those people are observing Ramadan as well so, for me, I just feel blessed. As I say, nothing much has changed for me - I don't feel weaker, in fact, the opposite I feel stronger. It's just a normal thing for me.