ARSENE WENGER believes Everton will be in the mix for European qualification at the end of the season.

The Blues currently sit one place above the Gunners in the league table and could extend the gap between the clubs to four points with a win tonight.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five visits to Goodison, but the Frenchman is expecting his players to receive a thorough examination under the floodlights this evening, given Everton’s results in the first third of the campaign.

“They are always serious, Everton, because they can give anybody a game,” said Wenger.

“I don't think any big team in the league goes to Everton and thinks it will be a walk out there.

“For us it’s a vital game every year. They fight at the top of the league every year. They are one of the contenders for a Champions League spot as well.

“It is a period where we establish consistency. To go through with a positive result is very important.

“They have gone through a more difficult spell as well recently. It is just down to us and the quality of our performance.”