'Teams would like to avoid Everton at the moment'

There may not be league points on offer this weekend but progress in the FA Cup would keep the feel-good factor firmly in place. From the 10th second on Saturday, that feeling was firmly in place and never relented.

Consistency appears to have returned and three wins on the spin have given Everton confidence and breathing space. They might actually be able to enjoy the prospect of battling on two fronts.

David Moyes will not - and is not - get carried away and knows there is still hard work ahead, but the early signs are really encouraging.

The return of James Garner is key - he was outstanding against Leicester - Beto's goals will give him a huge boost, and the signing of Carlos Alcaraz adds another option.

Bournemouth will provide a real test on Saturday, but I think a lot of teams would like to avoid Everton just at the moment, especially at Goodison.

Premier League security and a decent cup run will give Blues fans a refreshingly new, healthier outlook on the remainder of the season.

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