Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has branded their next game against West Ham United as the most important of the season.

While Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have been jockeying for position, Everton's blind-side surge seems an improbable challenge with nine points to make up on Harry Redknapp's team.

"We are on everyone's heels and they know what we bring," Cahill said. "Our next game against West Ham is the most important of the season. We have to capitalise on their poor form."