MY ACCOUNT
Roy Hodgson insists pride and professionalism will ensure relegated Watford make life difficult for Everton tonight.
Frank Lampard’s Toffees head to Vicarage Road knowing three points will move them a massive step closer to Premier League safety.
But Hodgson, who is widely expected to be succeeded by Forest Green boss Rob Edwards this summer, is confident his players are in the mood to bow out with a bang.
The veteran manager, 74, said: “I think you appeal to their pride and sense of professionalism [as motivation].
“The attitude in training has been fine, I can’t make any criticisms in that respect.
“We haven’t been fortunate in our efforts to stay up. We’ve lost games in recent weeks without playing particularly badly, more by circumstance than a lack of effort, so I have no criticism of the squad.”
Watford head into this evening’s encounter having lost their last six league games. In contrast, Everton have won three and drawn one of their last six.
And Lampard, 43, has taken real heart from back-to-back victories over former club Chelsea at Goodison Park and Leicester at the King Power.
The former England international said: “The only message for us — although we enjoyed the weekend and it was a game that got us out of the relegation zone — is that it is very dangerous to relax.
“We have to finish a tough job. There is a good feeling in the group from winning back-to back games and in terms of confidence we are ready to go again.
“All the players need to do is continue with the mindset they have at the moment.
“Every game in the Premier League is dangerous — especially away from home. It changed at Leicester but the minute you think you’ve cracked it, you’ll struggle.
“To underestimate Watford would be our biggest danger.”
