Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes David Moyes is using mind games when he suggests Liverpool are the favourites to finish fourth this season.
Everton currently occupy fourth place in the Premier League, but will be replaced by Liverpool should the Anfield side win their game in hand against West Ham at home on Wednesday night.
The Goodison chief has cited that game in hand as the reason to suggest Liverpool still have the edge over the Toffees in the battle for the final Champions League qualifying spot.
But Benitez believes Moyes' point was intended to add extra pressure to Liverpool ahead of the game in hand.
when asked if Moyes' comments were just a bit of mind games, Benitez responded, "Yes."
He then admitted he believes the battle for fourth is now between Liverpool and Everton - although he insisted Aston Villa are not yet out of the running.
He added: "It seems like it (will be an all Merseyside affair) now, but Aston Villa also have a lot of confidence and Blackburn won the other day away from home. You never know, but maybe you can say that Liverpool, Everton and Aston Villa will be close.
"The derby at Anfield could be really important, but it depends on the other games before then. We'll have to wait and see the position both teams are in before the game but clearly it will be an important game."
Benitez added he doesn't expect Liverpool's European commitments to distract from the challenge of battling with Everton for fourth spot.
He added: "I have confidence. It's not easy when you play in the Champions League but we have some experience. We know we have to concentrate and be focused on every game, and see if we can progress in both competitions."
