Everton Manager David Unsworth Claims Watford Fixture on Sunday Is 'a Cup Final'

Interim Everton manager David Unsworth has labelled his side's clash against Watford in the Premier League on Sunday as a must win, as his side looks to kick start their season which has been dismal up until now.

Everton take on Watford at Goodison Park on Sunday seeking their first win in all competitions since September. Speaking ahead of the game against Lyon in the Europa League, as reported in the Hertfordshire Mercury, Unsworth feels his team should approach the match against the Hornets as if it were a cup final.

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"Sunday's a cup final for me and I think we've got to play it like a cup final, I certainly want the players to play it like a cup final."

Everton are yet to register a win under the new management of Unsworth, with his last two games ending in defeat against Chelsea and Leicester City. 

Despite the poor run of form, the new man in charge is optimistic claiming that his side's performances have improved game by game.

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"I know that in the end you will be judged, I know, on performances. And I think performances have improved for a game and a half, certainly second half against Leicester.

"But within those performances, you've got to try and dig out some results, so I want to win the game tomorrow, I want to perform, and Sunday's a massive game as well."

Everton play away in France on Thursday evening hoping to gain their first win under the new boss and gain some well needed points in their Europa League Group. The game is a big test for the Toffees, and a win could prove a turning point their season. 

The Merseyside club have left Wayne Rooney, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka at home for this game, giving the veterans of the club time to recover ahead of their crucial match at the weekend. 

For Everton fans, they would hope that resting their key players will help them succeed at the weekend, but it will not be easy by any stretch of the imagination. Marco Silva's side have been excellent on the road this season and have been the surprise side of the campaign. 

If Silva was to win this weekend at Goodison, he would further cement his place as one of the up-and-coming managers in the league, and as Everton search for a new manager they could very well be seeking his signature if things go Watford's way on Sunday.