Everton vs. Rumzomberok: Team news and live blog

Join us for all the Everton team news and buildup towards their Europa League third qualifying round second leg clash versus Rumzomberok and then stay for live updates during the game.

Last week marked the first time Everton had ever started a competitive campaign in July. Now, we bring some normalcy back to the proceedings, as they prepare for the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round cash versus Ruzomberok.

The game is set to be a much more nervy occasion than previously predicted. Ruzomberok played better than expected at Goodison Park, while the Blues were well below the standard expected of them.

As a result, Everton enter Thursday night’s second leg with a slim 1-0 advantage. On the positive side though, they didn’t concede a precious away goal.

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Further, playing in Ruzomberok is not exactly an intimidating prospect, with their stadium holding less than 4,900 people. Regardless, Ronald Koeman won’t let his players take anything for granted, after the events of the first leg.

In addition, no matter your thoughts on the Europa League, winning it would offer an alternative route into the Champions League, if their challenge for a top four spot falters this season. Look no further than Manchester United from last season, as a prime example of this.

Now, sit back and — try to — relax, as we bring you all the team news and buildup, as we count down towards kickoff at 7:45 pm GMT. And once the action begins, stick around for our live updates:

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21:50 – That’s it:

Okay folks, that’s the end of our coverage of this tougher than expected tie. Kudos to Ruzomberok for how they played. Thank you for sticking with us throughout our coverage. Let’s do this again sometime.

21:47 – Key dates:

The draw for the playoff round will take place on Friday, at 12:00 pm GMT. The two legs will be played on August 17 and 24.

21:42 – Match highlights:

A little bonus for you all:

21:36 – And it’s over:

The referee — who had some shaky moments — at least manages to blow the whistle successfully, to signal full-time.

21:33 – Injury time:

Just three minutes injury time separating the Blues from advancing.

21:31 – Man of the match:

It probably won’t go to him, but we would consider Calvert-Lewin. Since coming on in the second half, he has been lively and scored the goal which clinched the tie. Davies also played well and Keane was solid in central defence.

21:27 – And one more:

Rooney is replaced by Mirallas, with four minutes to go, to complete the Blues’ compliment of allowed substitutions.

21:24 – Another sub:

Barry comes on for Schneiderlin, to help the Blues over the finish line.

21:23 – It’s over:

Finally! Calvert-Lewin finishes calmly after being played through, to make it 1-0 on the night and 2-0 overall.

21:22 – Getting closer:

Just 10 minutes to go. (Not that we’re counting or anything…)

21:17 – Deep breaths:

Down to the final 15 minutes. Hang in there Evertonians, we’re nearly there.

21:15 – Looking lively:

Calvert-Lewin has already been involved a few times since coming on. Was through on goal, but stopped by a timely tackle (and to be fair, he should have been whistled offside).

21:11 – Role reversal:

Ramirez — who looks dead on his feet — is replaced by Calvert-lewin, who started the first leg. Hopefully his fresh legs will help spur the Blues on to get that crucial away goal, that would all but clinch the tie.

21:10 – Getting closer:

*Gulp!* Ruzomberok refuse to give up and are growing in confidence with every passing minute. Williams manages to block a chance for Qose.

21:07 – A good test:

While we would all prefer this tie to already be decided, the longer it stays at 0-0 on the night and 1-0 overall, will give us a chance to see how the Blues respond to a pressurised situation.

21:02 – Time to step it up:

Half an hour to go in Ruzomberok. You get the feeling it’s going to be a long final 30 minutes for the Toffees and their fans.

20:56 – Daniel again:

Daniel has been involved at the heart of everything Ruzomberok have done going forward. His cross-shot was arguably the most dangerous moment yet for the Blues.

20:51 – Another promising linkup:

Rooney can get anyone involved, but the linkup play between him and Davies has been intriguing.

20:49 – Early warning:

Just another reminder the Blues need to stay focused, as Daniel blasts over from about 20 yards out.

20:48 – Substitutions:

Just to confirm, no changes for the Blues at halftime.

20:47 – We’re underway again:

And we’re back for the second half. Let’s see what the next 45+ minutes brings.

20:32 – Highlights:

Pickford looked solid in goal, Davies was comfortable at right wing back, while you get the feeling Klaassen will play a key part if the Blues do eventually score. Tune in shortly, for the second half. For now, go and make your cuppa, or sandwich, or whatever it is you do when you have 15 minutes to spare.

20:31 – Half time:

And we’ve reached the half. Not the best of halves by Everton, but still quite entertaining, if a little stressful.

20:30 – Injury time:

The 45 minutes are up, but we’ve still got another minute to play, courtesy of injury time.

20:26 – Test the goalie:

As Andy Gray used to say regularly: “You have to ask the question.” In this case, that means test the Ruzomberok goalie, who is getting a free ride up to this point.

20:20 – Nearly there:

Just 10 minutes to go until half time. The Toffees have warmed up as we’ve gone along, but the hosts are still holding their own.

20:16 – What an opportunity:

Ramirez was through on goal there, but couldn’t take advantage of the one-on-one situation. Forced wide and probably took too long to get his shot off.

20:13 – Solid in goal:

Ruzomberok still getting forward and making a game of it. Fortunately for the Toffees, Pickford has looked calm and comfortable up to this point.

20:08 – Where is the time going?

Already reached the halfway point of the first half. Still too tight for anyone’s liking – unless you’re supporting Ruzomberok.

20:06 – A budding partnership:

Good to see Rooney and Ramirez linking up regularly and building some chemistry. So much potential for the striking duo.

20:03 – Warming up finally:

The Blues are finally starting to create some opportunities of their own. However, nothing concrete just yet.

20:00 – Even-steven:

Fair play to Ruzomberok – 15 minutes in and they’re matching the Blues up to this point.

19:56 – Another chance for Ruzomberok:

The hosts get another opportunity at goal. Daniel fires low, but Pickford manages to block the shot.

19:55 – Early hope:

We’re 10 minutes in, and the Blues need to settle down. Don’t give any life to their spirited hosts.

19:51 – First chance:

Just as we write the previous update, Ruzomberok have the first opportunity to score, from a corner. Fortunately, Kruzliak doesn’t hit the target with his header.

19:50 – Early thoughts:

Not much to write about so far – Everton controlling possession, but nothing to get excited about yet.

19:45 – Kick off:

And we’re underway! Let’s hope Everton have a less nervy experience compared to last week.

19:30 – Warm ups:

The players are now out on the pitch to warm up. Just 15 minutes to go until kickoff.

19:24 – Phil Jagielka:

Just to confirm, as was mentioned as a possibility earlier, Jagielka’s start means this will be his 350th appearance in an Everton jersey – a great accomplishment for one of the most loyal players in club history.

19:20 – Formations:

Everton will line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, while Ruzomberok will likely counter with a 4-3-3 setup.

19:15 – Ruzomberok starting XI:

Matus Macik – Peter Masio, Jan Maslo, Dominik Kruzliak, Jozef Menich – Dalibor Takac, Kristi Qose, Matej Kochan – Erik Daniel, Nermin Haskic, Peter Gal Andrezly.

18:50 – Everton substitutes:

Maarten Stekelenburg, Kevin Mirallas, Cuco Martina, Gareth Barry, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Mason Holgate, Ademola Lookman

18:46 – Everton starting XI:

Jordan Pickford – Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka, Micheal Keane – Leighton Baines, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Morgan Schneiderlin, Tom Davies – Davy Klaassen – Sandro Ramirez, Wayne Rooney

18:30 – Weather:

As of right now, it is 27 degrees in Ruzomberok, with a 67 percent chance of rain. However, the temperature will go down, as will the chance of rain, as we get closer to the 8:45 pm local kickoff time.

18:15 – Injury news:

One of the most predictable injury report you will ever see for the Blues. The only absentees are all long-term casualties and some guy who is set to leave the club this summer – Seamus Coleman, Yannick Bolaise, Ramiro Funes Mori and Ross Barkley.

18:00 – Phil Jagielka:

Fresh off signing his one-year contract extension, if Jagielka sees any action versus Ruzomberok, it will mark his 350th appearance for the Blues.

17:45 – How to catch the action:

You can match the game on ITV4 or click here to listen to it. All while sticking with us of course.

17:30 – Team news:

Nothing official yet, but Sandro Ramirez is expected to be in the starting XI.

17:15 – Injury news:

There was some concern regarding Wayne Rooney, who was dealing with a slight groin injury. However, he has been passed fit for the second leg.

17:00 – Team news:

It has been confirmed that Jordan Pickford will start in goal, making this his competitive debut for the Blues.

Next: Blues nearing finishing line with Sigurdsson

Who do you think should be in the starting XI tonight? Who shouldn’t be included? What do you predict the final score will be on the night and overall? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.