MIKEL ARTETA is hoping Everton can close in on a top-six spot ahead of next week’s Christmas double-header.

If Hull fail to beat Sunderland on Saturday, Everton could overtake them in sixth position on Monday night, even though they would have to beat second-placed Chelsea to do it.

However, Arteta is taking encouragement from the fact that Everton are still in contention for a potential European qualification position despite the adversity they have had to overcome this season.

Saturday’s latest shortage of numbers led to them having no established centre-forwards available, although Tim Cahill made the most of his role as a lone striker to head the injury-time winner at Manchester City.

“We are still in the mix,” said Arteta, who hinted he is close to recapturing his best form with a polished performance in central midfield.

“That was a really important game because we could have ended up losing three or four positions.

“As it is we remain close to the top six so hopefully we can keep going and have a good result against Chelsea.”

Everton have maintained a promising position in the table despite only winning one of their eight home games in the Premier League so far this season.

Chelsea will go to Goodison Park having won all eight of their away games.

But Arteta reckons the confidence gained from the win at Eastlands will help them to beat the odds once again and set them up perfectly for the festive fixtures at Middlesbrough on Boxing Day and at home to Sunderland two days later.