As Everton prepare for their critical Europa League game with Lyon, we provide you with all the latest information ahead of the clash in east-central France.
Through three games, Everton are off to the worst ever start by an English team in the Europa League group stage. As such, Thursday’s game against Lyon takes on even more significance.
If the Blues lose, there are effectively done in Europe for this season, especially if Atlanta avoid defeat against Apollon Limassol. Even a draw will leave Everton struggling to advance from the group stage.
Of course stranger things have happened. However, if David Unsworth’s squad decisions are anything to go by, he has already given up on Europe.
As per the Independent, Unsworth elected to leave Wayne Rooney, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines at home to rest. Michael Keane has also remained on Merseyside, albeit as he continues to recover from a foot injury.
In truth, the moves make sense. The Blues’ main priority has to be Premier League survival.
However, Unsworth insists Everton will give their all on Thursday evening. As reported by BBC Sport, he said:
"“The Europa League is very important to us because we’ve got 3,000 Evertonians coming to watch us tomorrow.“It’s important to me and important to the players. I’ll pick a team to win the game and I know the lads will do everything they can to win it as well.”"
From the bookies’ perspective, a Lyon win is the most likely outcome, followed by a draw. You can click here to find all the latest odds, courtesy of SportsBookReview.com.
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This is unsurprising, given the previous encounter between the two sides. While Everton dominated statistically, Lyon did what they had to do, to leave Goodison Park with a 2-1 win.
If Evertonians are looking for a modicum of hope, Lyon have drawn six and lost one of their previous seven home games against English teams in European competition. In fact, as noted by BBC Sport, their last home win came way back in 1967, versus Tottenham Hotspur.
It won’t be the end of the world if Everton lose, as it will mean they can concentrate on the Premier League. However, a loss would still represent how far the Blues have fallen from the optimism which surrounded the preseason.
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Is there anything in particular that stands out from the information provided? What’s your prediction for the final outcome against Lyon? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.