Europa League: Everton vs Wolfsburg match preview

A look ahead to Thursday’s Europa League Group H clash at Goodison Park

(Getty)

Everton return to European competition for the first time since 2010 after a brilliant year last season under Roberto Martinez.

The club finished fifth and amassed 72 points, a record in the Premier League for the Toffees.

The Spanish manager has promised he will take the Europa League extremely seriously; with the winner given an automatic Champions League place there is plenty of reason to do so.

Speaking on Wednesday, Martinez said: "We are not a team who wants to moan about the number of games or talk about the Europa League in a disrespectful manner. We really want to go all the way... we're excited."

Everton have a relatively clean bill of health for the game, with long-term injury concerns Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo the only players missing. Samuel Eto'o and Sylvain Distin are both able to play.

Wolfsburg are yet to win in the Bundesliga this season, drawing two of their three matches so far.

KICK-OFF: Thursday, 8.05pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

The two clubs have never played each other

STATS…

Everton have yet to lose in five European games against German opponents (W2 D3), while both of Wolfsburg's previous trips to England ended in 2-1 defeats.

Everton made it through to the knockout phase in both of their previous UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League group stage campaigns, but have lost two of their last three European home games at Goodison Park.

Wolfsburg are without a win in four European away matches (D2 L2).

ODDS…

Everton to win: 2

Wolfsburg to win: 3.75

Draw: 3.6

TV

Live on ITV4 at 8.05pm.