Everton have not been outside the top five since the turn of the year, but if they lose at home to in-form Aston Villa on Sunday, the Midlanders will overtake them in the race for the UEFA Cup spot.

It could be a bitter end to the season for Everton, who have produced consistent league performances, a Carling Cup semi-final slot and a fine UEFA Cup run.

Everton's run-in is anything but simple, with Arsenal away and Newcastle United at home to follow the match with Villa but Yobo believes home advantage will see the Toffees through.

He said: "Towards the end of the season you always want to be playing the majority of your games at home, and we have got that opportunity now, so hopefully we can take advantage of that if we keep a steady head.

"If someone had given us fifth at the start of the season, we would have taken it.

"We have been fourth or fifth for quite a long time, so it is going to be disappointing now if we do not qualify for Europe. Once you have played in Europe, most players want to do that every year."