Everton vs. Hajduk Split: Team news and live blog

Join us for all the Everton team news and buildup towards their Europa League second leg playoff tie in Croatia, then stay for live updates during the game.

We hope Everton and their fans are ready for what lies ahead in Croatia tonight, as they face Hajduk Split. After events in the stands during the first leg, together with the fact this tie could still go either way at 2-0, it will likely be an eventful evening for the Blues.

Of course, we don’t want to make this sound more difficult than it really is. The truth is, there will be little excuse if Everton somehow fail to advance to the Europa League group stage.

However, this doesn’t mean it will be a walk in the park either. With Thursday’s fixture representing the second of three away matches in just seven days, this could prove to be a war of attrition.

In that respect, manger Ronald Koeman understands the upcoming challenge. As reported by Paul McNamara of Evertonfc.com, Koeman said:

"“We know it will be difficult. It is a tough week after playing on Monday and then travelling on Wednesday…We will prepare for each game one by one and do everything to get the best result out of every single one.”More from Match PreviewEverton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on SundayBeto deal claimed to be close as Everton face crucial game without a strikerCalvert-Lewin should start if fit as Everton face Villa test todayEverton need points as new season continues with Villa tripEverton still short of numbers and quality as the new season kicks off"

Make no mistake about it, this is an important evening for the Blues. Apart from anything else, the Europa League offers a second opportunity to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Now, settle yourself down — as much as you can do when Everton are playing — as we bring you all the buildup towards kickoff at 8:00 pm. And once the match begins, stay with us for live updates.

(Refresh this page by pressing F5 periodically)

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22:00 – Goodbye:

Thank you for joining us for our coverage this evening. Look out for more analysis and reaction early on Friday morning.

21:51 – They’re through:

The ref blows the whistle, to end an eventful evening. Any nerves about conceding just before half time, where put to a bed a whole 12 seconds into the second half, thanks to Sigurdsson’s breathtaking effort.

Pickford’s save ruined whatever chance Hajduk had of once again getting back into the tie. It finishes 1-1, which in the end seems fair.

21:48 – Added time:

Two minutes of injury time left, before Everton officially advance.

21:42 – Get him off!

Good chance for Rooney to score, but it’s saved. More to the point though, with Chelsea coming up on Sunday, he should already be off the pitch and resting.

21:39 – Almost there:

Inside the final 10 minutes. Barring a capitulation of epic proportions, Everton are headed to the group stage of the Europa League.

21:35 – Hajduk substitution:

In all the excitement, we forgot to mention Hajduk also made a change, on 75 minutes. Tudor on for Said, who missed the penalty.

21:34 – Pickford’s save:

We assume you also want to see this again as well.

21:30 – Second sub:

Calvert-Lewin is replaced by Davies, with 18 minutes remaining.

21:27 – Almost over:

Everton almost put the tie beyond doubt, but Calvert-Lewin has his effort saved. Should have made better use of the chance really.

21:24 – Saved!

Pickford makes the save, albeit after a tame effort from Said.  Should have let Erceg take it. (There was a dispute over who should take the penalty.)

21:23 – Life again for the home side:

Williams has played well, but he unfortunately concedes a penalty after fouling that man Erceg. The blame should really go to Calver-Lewin though, he had the chance to clear the danger earlier.

21:15 – Sigurdsson’s goal:

Want to see his goal again? We thought so. Enjoy!

21:09 – No extra time:

With Sigurdsson’s spectacular effort, it is now guaranteed this game will not go to extra time or penalties. The tie may not be over yet, but Hajduk now need to score three times without reply, to win.

21:04 – GOOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!!!

Sigurdsson scores from 50 yards out, after seeing the goalkeeper off his line. Early contender for goal of the season. Everyone inside the stadium is stunned, including Koeman.

21:04 – Substitution:

Lookman has been replaced at halftime by Lookman.

21:03 – We’re back:

The second half is underway in Split. Can Everton hold on, or will they suffer European heartbreak?

20:46 – Half time:

We’ve reached the end of the first half and the Blues now face a real challenge to hold on. If they can score just once, it should tie things up, but for now, it’s 0-1 on the night and 2-1 overall.

20:43 – Bad timing:

Hajduk pick the perfect time to score and it was one heck of a shot. Pickford had no chance to stop Radosevic’s effort from around 30 yards out.

20:39 – Solid from Pickford:

Good save from Pickford, after — of course — a shot from Erceg. However, Hajduk are getting forward more now and the fans are becoming louder again.

20:38 – Calvert-Lewin:

The youngster has looked good so far. Not phased by the hostile atmosphere.

20:34 – Danger man:

If anyone is going to score for Hajduk, Erceg seems the best bet. Has been involved in most of the chances his team have created.

20:30 – One hour to go:

Not that we’re counting or anything, but the Blues are now 30 minutes closer to a place in the Europa League group stage.

20:21 – First real chance:

Rooney — what a surprise — has the first proper chance for the Blues. However, he is off target with his header, after a good cross from Martina.

20:15 – Besic:

With 15 minutes gone, one of the main things which has stood out, is how comfortable Besic looks. Important to note, given this is his first start for Everton in well over a year.

20:10 – So far so good:

We’re 10 minutes in and not too much to worry about yet.

20:04 – Early scare:

Erceg goes down after a challenge from Pickford in the penalty area. However, the lineman’s flag went up for offside.

20:03 – Formation:

The Blues appear to have started in a 4-2-3-1 setup.

20:00 – Kick off:

Fasten your seat belts and hang on to your hats – we’re underway in Split!

19:58 – Entering the cauldron of hate:

The two teams are coming out onto the pitch. Baines is captain tonight.

19:55 – Nearly time:

Five minutes — give or take — until kick off. What’s your prediction for the final score?

19:45 – Third kit again:

The Blues will wear their third kit for a second consecutive game. Hopefully, they will remain unbeaten in competitive action, when wearing these particular jerseys.

(Photo credit: Twitter @Everton)

19:35 – Gamesmanship from the hosts:

The Echo‘s Phil Kirkbride reports the grass is a little long for Everton’s liking. In addition, Koeman was hoping for the sprinklers to be turned on before kick off, but this hasn’t happened as of yet.

19:20 – A sign of things to come:

The Everton players were booed while warming up on the pitch. Something tells us, the animosity will only intensify as we get closer to kick off.

19:05 – Substitutes:

The subs bench will consist of the following seven players:

Stekelenburg, Jagielka, Kenny, Davies, Holgate, Lennon, Mirallas.

19:00 – Team news:

The Everton starting XI is in! (For what little it’s worth, we got nine of the 11 selections correct.)

Pickford – Baines, Keane, Williams, Martina – Sigurdsson, Schneiderlin, Besic, Lookman – Rooney, Calvert-Lewin

18:45 – Happy birthday!

Where does the time go? Goodison Park is 125 years old today.

18:30 – Weather:

It’s going to nice and warm in Split this evening — maybe too warm — with clear skies and a temperature of around 27 degrees at kickoff. There will be zero chance of rain and a very slight breeze of 3 mph.

18:00 – Stat attack:

Hajduk have won eight of their previous nine home games in Europe. However, as BBC Sport points out, they have lost five and drawn one of their last six matches versus English teams.

17:30 – Referee:

Russian referee Sergei Karasev will be in charge of tonight’s game. The 38-year-old became a FIFA referee in 2010.

Karasev has had an eventful start to the Russian League season, handing out 13 yellow cards in four games. His experience of refereeing, includes matches in the Champions League, the Euro Championships and World Cup qualifiers.

17:00 – Odds

Interested in who the bookies favour heading into tonight’s game? Click here, to review all the latest odds via Sports Book Review.

16:30 – Predicted starting XI:

Here is our projected lineup, which will likely play in a 4-3-3 formation (but will contain the same players, if Koeman goes with a more standard 4-4-2 setup):

Pickford (GK) – Baines (LB), Keane (CB), Williams (CB), Martina (RB) – Davies (LM), Schneiderlin (CM), Mirallas (RM) – Sigurdsson (FW), Lookman (ST), Calvert-Lewin (FW)

16:00 – Injury news

The Blues’ long-term absentees are Seamus Coleman (broken leg), Yannick Bolasie (knee) and Ramiro Funes Mori (knee). They are joined on the sidelines by Ross Barkley (hamstring).

James McCarthy is also still out, as he deals with a knee issue. In addition, Davy Klaassen (foot) and Sandro Raimirez (heelo) did not make the trip to Croatia.

Next: England retirement all about Rooney leaving on his own terms

Are you anticipating a nervy evening for the Blues, or do you expect them to qualify for the Europa League group stage with the minimal of trouble? What do you predict will be the final outcome and why? As always, share your thoughts in the comments section below.