Europa League: Everton vs Young Boys match preview

A look ahead to this Thursday's Europa League fixture at Goodison Park

Everton's Romelu Lukaku heads the ball in front of Young Boys' goalkeeper (Getty Images)

Following Everton’s fine 4-1 victory over Young Boys last week, the Swiss side need to win by a four goal margin if they are to progress to the next round of the Europa League.

The visitors will have a point to prove after their humiliation at the Stade de Suisse and their boss, Uli Forte, will undoubtedly have them fired up.

It is also not out the question, with the Toffees' defensive frailties being exposed once more during the 2-2 draw with Premier League bottom club Leicester City last weekend.

Roberto Martinez (AP)

As leaders Chelsea proved earlier in the season, beating Roberto Martinez's side 6-3, it is possible to leave Goodison Park with a handsome victory.

Young Boys are second in the Swiss league, winning seven of their last eight games, and they are only five points off leaders Basel. But realistically, going into the next round is a big ask.

KICK-OFF: Thursday, 8.05pm

PAST MEETING…

Young Boys 1 (Hoarau) Everton 4 (Lukaku 3, Coleman), February 2015

STATS…

In the reverse fixture, it was the first time Romelu Lukaku has scored more than one goal in a game this season with his hattrick.

Everton have won only two games out of their last ten matches in all competitions, (W2 D5 L3) but have only lost once in their last six.

The Toffees kept clean sheets in half their group matches and never conceded more than one goal in a game

Young Boys have won just one of their 5 matches against English opposition (W1 D1 L3).

The Swiss side have only drawn on English soil, drawing 2-2 at Anfield in 2012.

Young Boys finished runners-up to Napoli by just one point and had not conceded a goal at home in the group stages, winning all three games and scoring nine in the process.

ODDS…

Everton to win: 8/11

Young Boys to win: 9/2

Draw: 29/10

TV: Live on ITV 1 HD, 8.05pm