Everton must keep their top players, keep Thierno Barry scoring and defend well at home if they are to stay out of trouble in the Premier League this season, according to former striker Louis Saha.
The Blues have dropped from fifth to 11th in the table after losing their last two matches, both by 2-0, to London clubs Chelsea and Arsenal. Having gone unbeaten in their first eight games in all competitions, David Moyes' side have now suffered consecutive reversals.
Former striker's warning
Saha, who scored 35 goals in 115 appearances for Everton between 2008 and 2012, including one after just 25 seconds in the 2009 FA Cup final, said every team must be cautious.
Speaking courtesy of BettingLounge, the Frenchman said: "Every team has to be cautious including Sunderland and Everton because it's a tough league where everyone can beat anyone.
"Everton needs to keep their top players, (Thierno) Barry needs to keep scoring, and they must defend well at home in particular.
"There is going to be a lot of tight results and scrappy games, so Everton and Sunderland could both get dragged into trouble if they're not careful."
Focus on the league
Sunderland visited Everton for the final home game of their first season at Hill Dickinson Stadium below their hosts in the table, but after a 3-1 win they then defeated Chelsea 2-1 in their last fixture to secure European qualification for only the second time in their history, following their run in the 1973/74 European Cup-Winners' Cup.
Although Regis Le Bris' side remain undefeated after three Europa League matches this term, Sunday's goalless draw at home to Leeds United left them bottom of the Premier League table.
With just 18 outfield players in their squad now, Saha believes Everton's failure to qualify for continental competition could actually help them.
The 48-year-old said: "You will see that teams in Europe might struggle to manage the relentless rhythm. So, there is an opportunity for the teams that aren't in those competitions.
"Teams like Everton can focus on the Premier League and take things week by week and have more time to solve their problems and build that strong foundation."
