Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has challenged his teammates to continue their good form with victory over Southampton tomorrow.

Southampton surprisingly sacked their manager Nigel Adkins on Friday but the 30-year-old insists that Everton must remain wary of their opponents.

"People will be watching us and expecting a lot because we've played so well in the past and that's what we have got to justify," Hitzlsperger told the club's official website.

"There is a lot of confidence in the side but we definitely won't underestimate Southampton. They're fighting for every point, they want to stay in the league and they are a good footballing side.

"But we have enough confidence to say we want to go there and win this game, and we've got every chance to do so."

Everton came from behind to win 3-1 when the sides last met at Goodison Park.