Everton’s resurgence was checked last week as they went down 2-1 at Tottenham, just three days after Sporting Lisbon emphatically ended their Europa League campaign.

Moyes is now hoping they can get back on track as they face Hull again but the Scot is taking nothing for granted, even though the Tigers’ fortunes have slumped since their last meeting.

Phil Brown’s men, who had moved level with Everton after that November result, have tasted victory just once more.

They are precariously placed in the bottom three and, without an away win for a year, they face a tough battle to secure a third successive season in the top flight.

Moyes said: “I’m sure if they could stay in the Premier League again they would say it has been a great season for them.

“It was a great achievement to keep them up last year.

“It has been a tough season but I don’t think they would have expected it any other way.

“You would probably choose to play these teams down at the bottom but it is difficult - there is a reason for every team to win in the Premier League.

“Those teams are going to be scrapping for points, and are desperate to get results, but if you were playing the ones at the top - as we have just done - they are all striving to get Champions League points.

“Three points against Hull City is our only points target at the moment. It would be unwise to look any further.”

Despite their results, Hull’s performances have held up and they took points off Chelsea and Manchester City last month.

Moyes is at least pleased for Brown, whose position had seemed in jeopardy at the beginning of November, and feels the possible return of Jimmy Bullard will make his side dangerous again.

Moyes said: “Having been given a chance Phil has shown he was going to do everything he can to hang in there.

“What would have happened if they had put another manager in there? Would he have done any better? I don’t think he would.

“It was a good decision by the chairman and I think Phil Brown is proving to be the right man for the job.

“I think they tend to get positive results when Jimmy is in the team too, so it is something we need to be aware of.”

Everton were due to give a fitness test to Tim Cahill after almost three weeks out with a calf injury but Louis Saha is again missing with a hamstring problem.