David Unsworth labels Watford game as 'huge' for struggling Everton

The Merseyside club's interim manager wants side to get their first victory since September 23 on Sunday.

It has been a frustrating time for Everton and interim manager David Unsworth, but they are targeting three points against Watford in the Premier League on Sunday. Dan Istitene / Getty Images

David Unsworth has so far been unable to halt Everton's slide since stepping in as interim manager late last month but hopes Sunday's Premier League fixture against Watford will mark a turning point in what has been a woeful season so far.

Everton, who have lost five successive games in all competitions, have won just twice in their opening 10 league games to drop into the relegation zone in 18th spot.

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Meanwhile, Thursday's 3-0 loss to Lyon saw them eliminated from the Europa League.

Unsworth, who took over from Ronald Koeman last month, is hopeful of getting the job on a permanent basis but the 44-year-old knows Everton have to start winning if he is to have any chance of being named manager.

"Watford is a huge game for me and the players as well," Unsworth told reporters. "When you're not winning games, you do concede sloppy goals and have a little bit of bad fortune.

"So the mentality must be strong and we must have the courage to be strong if we go a goal behind, the courage to stick together.

"Confidence is a great word in football and you only get that from winning."

Watford are eighth in the table, but have lost their past two games and have never won at Goodison Park in 11 visits, with 10 of those trips ending in defeat.