Saturday 29 April 2017 20:50, UK
Idrissa Gueye says there will be "a lot at stake" for Everton and Chelsea when they meet on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
With four games left to play, the Toffees are challenging for a top-six finish in the Premier League, trailing Arsenal by two points but having played two games more.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are four points ahead of Tottenham at the top of the table and could extend that advantage before Spurs face Arsenal later on Sunday, also live on Sky Sports.
"These are the big games that players want to play in," Gueye told Sky Sports. "We know if Chelsea drop points it can open the title race up, also we are desperate for points to catch the teams above. There's a lot at stake and we like that.
"There are still games to play and you shouldn't rule out anything."
Gueye has impressed for Everton after signing from Aston Villa last summer, and has made more tackles than any other player in the Premier League this season.
"There is no secret for me," he says. "It's down to hard work, day in day out, if you don't work hard and put in the effort in training you won't be able to reproduce that in a match. That's it, it's just about working hard.
"Personally it's been a fantastic season. First and foremost I was happy to sign for this great club and I have had a great time playing with the standard of player we have.
"And when you are fighting near the top of the league that's great too. The fact we are seventh and there are still games to go, we might even improve on that, it's been a good season for me and the team."
While Gueye has been important for Everton this season, so too has Romelu Lukaku, who is the top scorer in the top-flight with 24 goals.
The striker has been reportedly linked with a move away from Goodison Park, but Gueye said: "We don't want to be losing big players, it would be a real positive if we keep them.
"If we are in Europe that will hopefully help convince them to stay.
"A lot of clubs set out Europe as an important goal and Everton is not an exception. It allows you to cross a threshold as a club and break new ground and if you are playing in Europe you can be considered as one of the top sides."
Watch Everton v Chelsea live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 1pm on Sunday.
