Mousa Dembele sees Sunday’s clash against Everton as one of the biggest of the season so far.
We go into the fixture sixth in the Premier League – one place and one point behind the Toffees. Liverpool are a further two points ahead in fourth.
Alongside Arsenal and City, Everton have lost fewest games in the league this term (three), but have drawn nine of their 24 so far.
“I’m sure it will be a good game, perhaps one of the most important of the season so far,” said Mousa, who is expected to be available after missing last week’s draw at Hull with an ankle injury.
“It’s a big match against a team that is playing well this season. They have new players, like Barry, McCarthy and Lukaku, who I know well. They are all doing well.
“Everton are a good team and we have a lot of respect for them, but we should also recognise that we have quality as well. I’m sure they believe they can do something against us, but we believe as well.”