Roberto Martinez understands Cardiff City's Premier League predicament

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that his team will need to be on top form in order to defeat Cardiff City, who are fighting for survival.

The Welsh outfit are currently 18th in the Premier League table, level on points with West Bromwich Albion, but are only in the relegation zone on goal difference alone.

Martinez, who has been in the same position at his former club Wigan Athletic, believes that the Bluebirds will be buoyed by their recent 3-1 win over fellow struggling side Fulham.

"I know exactly how Cardiff are feeling and the way they are fighting for every point," BBC Sport quotes Martinez as saying. "They have a confidence after their result against Fulham.

"We know that we will face a side who were unfortunate not to get a positive result at White Hart Lane. They fight for each other and are a strong unit. We will have to be at our best."

Everton are currently seventh in the standings.