This is a brief history of Roberto Martínez’s Everton career. Season one outstanding, season two a mess, and season three desperately in need of a triumphant finale.

Martínez knows he has five weeks to issue a timely reminder of the possibilities of three years ago. Tonight’s Merseyside derby cannot be disregarded, but whatever the outcome at Anfield it is the FA Cup that represents the protective shield. Beating Liverpool and losing to Manchester United is pointless.

“If we win the games, everything will be fine; if we lose, everything will be my fault,” acknowledged Martínez, defending his work as a manager who has taken greater risks by setting loftier ambitions.

“I am not stupid. Nobody should be happy with our teams losing so many games at home,” he added. “But I will always promote a style of football that will allow us to compete with any team – and not have a roof of the top seven.