The importance of Everton's 1-0 win against Brentford has already come to the fore.
Sean Dyche's side moved out of the relegation zone on Saturday after a hard-fought victory over the Bees at Goodison Park.
But they weren't the only struggling club on the move after Bournemouth sprung a surprise by beating Liverpool in the lunch-time kick-off, moving the Cherries out of the drop-zone as well.
Instead, Southampton started the day as the Premier League's basement club, but they picked up a credible point at Manchester United, who had Casemiro sent off. West Ham remain below Everton after they could only draw at home to Aston Villa and the Toffees have gained three points on Wolverhampton Wanderers after the midlands club went down 2-1 at Newcastle United.
READ MORE: Demarai Gray fumes at VAR and Seamus Coleman shows his class as Everton favourite returns
READ MORE: Dwight McNeil reveals two factors behind his Everton rejuvenation
Things couldn't be tighter at the bottom, with as many as nine teams finding themselves under the threat of relegation. Here's a look at Everton's next six Premier League fixtures, compared to the other eight teams around them, all hoping to beat the drop.
Chelsea (a) - Saturday, March 18
After a poor run of results, a win for Chelsea against Leicester City on Saturday has eased the pressure a little on Graham Potter, who has now secured back-to-back victories in the Premier League. Everton will have to dig deep to leave Stamford Bridge with anything, but with the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix at their disposal, the Blues can expect a tough afternoon in the capital.
Tottenham (h) - Saturday, April 1
England captain Harry Kane was on the scoresheet when Tottenham beat Everton 2-0 in North London back in October, but Evertonians will be hoping that the Dyche-effect can produce an altogether different result this time around. Spurs are chasing a Champions League spot but the Blues will be hoping that their opponents' inconsistent trait will come back to haunt them at Goodison Park.
Manchester United (a) - Saturday, April 8
Everton's hopes of preserving their top-flight status will largely depend on getting results at home, but anything that can be picked up on the road is more than welcome. It doesn't get much tougher than a trip to Old Trafford however, as the Carabao Cup winners continue their resurgence under Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils have twice prevailed against the Blues this season, first with a 2-1 win at Goodison Park before winning an FA Cup encounter 3-1 on home turf. If Dyche can stop in-form Marcus Rashford and pick up points here it would be a bonus.
Fulham (h) - Saturday, April 15
Everton will be reunited with one of their former managers when Marco Silva's Fulham comes to town. The West London outfit have been one of the success stories of the season and are in with a genuine shout at qualifying for Europe. Sean Dyche has only lost one of his first four home matches as Everton manager, but Fulham have won on the road five times this season and will undoubtedly provide tough opposition.
Crystal Palace (a) - Saturday, April 22
By this point, Patrick Vieira's side will either be in the thick of a relegation battle themselves or will have regained some form and pulled away. The London outfit are without a win in the Premier League since the turn of the year and the former Arsenal captain may be in danger of losing his job if that terrible form continues. At the time of writing they are preparing to face Manchester City at home.
Newcastle United (h) - Thursday, April 27
Eddie Howe's high-flying Magpies have only lost three league matches all season, so would be a handful whether they were playing at home or away. But the Toon army have started to fade a touch after a thunderous first half to their campaign and that could provide an opportunity for the Blues on home turf. With 11 draws to their name, Newcastle are always a good bet for the pools coupon.
Everton's relegation rivals' next six fixtures
Southampton
Brentford (h)
Tottenham (h)
West Ham (a)
Man City (h)
Crystal Palace (h)
Arsenal (a)
Leeds United
Wolves (a)
Arsenal (a)
Nottingham Forest (h)
Crystal Palace (h)
Liverpool (h)
Fulham (a)
West Ham United
Southampton (h)
Newcastle (h)
Fulham (a)
Arsenal (h)
Bournemouth (a)
Liverpool (h)
Bournemouth
Aston Villa (a)
Fulham (h)
Brighton (h)
Leicester (a)
Tottenham (a)
West Ham (h)
Leicester City
Brentford (a)
Crystal Palace (a)
Aston Villa (h)
Bournemouth (a)
Man City (a)
Wolves (h)
Nottingham Forest
Newcastle (h)
Wolves (h)
Leeds (a)
Aston Villa (a)
Man Utd (h)
Liverpool (a)
Wolves
Leeds (h)
Nottingham Forest (a)
Chelsea (h)
Brentford (h)
Leicester (a)
Crystal Palace (h)
Crystal Palace
Man City (h)
Brighton (a)
Arsenal (a)
Leicester (h)
Leeds (a)
Southampton (a)
READ NEXT
Thomas Frank makes classy Everton gesture after loss that left his Brentford players 'p*****'
'Let's have it right' - Sean Dyche shares theory on latest Everton VAR controversy
Everton fans prove Thomas Frank right as Sean Dyche rediscovers forgotten Goodison Park weapon
Everton player ratings as Dwight McNeil superb and seven more excellent in Brentford win
Jarrad Branthwaite lifts lid on private Sean Dyche talks amid hint over Everton 'decision'