Everton vs FK Krasnodar: Europa League preview

A look ahead to this week’s Europa league fixture

Roberto Martinez looks on from the touchline (Getty Images)

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has announced he will use tonight’s game against Krasnodar to celebrate his team’s progressing into the next Round of the Europa League. The ‘celebration’ is expected to entail an experimental line up in which various young players will get a chance to play. The toffees secured first place of group H when they beat German side VfL Wolfsburg just over two weeks ago.

Defender Tyias Browning, 20, full-back Luke Garbutt, 21, and forward Conor McAleny, 22, are all set to feature.

Experienced players Steven Pienaar, Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz are also set to play, but Martinez intends to use the game to give some of the club's youngsters European experience.

Krasnodar will travel to Liverpool knowing they are unable to progress into the next round of the tournament having only collected three points in five games. It is to be seen whether the Russian side can motivate themselves for tonight’s game.

KICK OFF: 8.05PM

PAST MEETING:

FK Krasnodar 1 (Ari) - 1 Everton Eto’o Thurs 02 Oct 2014 Europa League

STATS:
Everton won their only previous home game against a Russian side, beating FC Zenit 1-0 in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup group stage.

Krasnodar are without a win in their last three European away contests

Everton have kept just one clean sheet in their last six fixtures

Both teams will enter the game on the back of a loss

ODDS:

Everton to win 1.72 Draw 308 FK Krasnodar to win 4.6

TV: ITV 4