Everton take on Ruzomberok in the Europa League on Thursday.
Everton can take a step towards the Europa League group stage on Thursday night, as they take on Ruzomberok of Slovakia once again.
The Toffees won the first leg of their third qualifying round tie last week, as Leighton Baines’ deflected strike handed Everton a 1-0 win at Goodison Park.
Now, Everton travel to Slovakia for the second leg on Thursday evening, with Ronald Koeman’s men widely expected to see off their opponents without too much trouble.
Koeman does have decisions to make with his line-up though, and after a lacklustre performance in the first leg, he could change things up this week.
Jordan Pickford is expected to replace Maarten Stekelenburg in the Everton goal, which would be his first competitive appearance for Everton since signing from Sunderland in a big-money deal earlier this summer.
Leighton Baines and Michael Keane look nailed-on to feature in defence, whilst Ashley Williams should fend off Phil Jagielka to keep his place at the back, though Cuco Martina’s place isn’t quite so secure after a poor display last week, with Jonjoe Kenny and Mason Holgate breathing down his neck.
In midfield, Tom Davies may push for a start, but Koeman could look to keep the trio that started last week’s game in Morgan Schneiderlin, Idrissa Gueye and new signing Davy Klaassen.
Wayne Rooney looks set to shake off a groin injury to play, and he could be joined in attack by Sandro Ramirez – the sixth summer signing included in the team here – and Ademola Lookman, who would both offer the pace and movement that this Everton team otherwise lacks, and they will need that speed to break down a stubborn Ruzomberok side, or hit them on the counter given that the Slovakians need to score.
The likes of Jagielka, Kenny, Davies, Gareth Barry, Kevin Mirallas and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could make up the bench for Everton in Slovakia, with Stekelenburg also set to drop down as a substitute.
Who would you like to see start for Everton against Ruzomberok?
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