Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has insisted that Arsenal are in pole position to claim the final Champions League place this season.

The Toffees, who sit fifth in the Premier League, are four points behind Arsene Wenger's side with a game in hand ahead of their meeting at Goodison Park on Sunday.

"I don't think we are favourites for fourth place," ESPN quotes Howard as saying.

"It is a little bit in our hands as we have a game in hand and we go head-to-head with Arsenal, but they still have four points on us and it is difficult. So we are on the outside looking in - but I think you want to be in the fight always.

"Sure, Arsenal are still favourites for fourth; they are four points ahead of us - but it's our job to make those four points up. If we can do it, then I suppose we will be favourites."

Everton were beaten 4-1 by the Gunners when the teams met in the FA Cup quarter-finals last month.