UEFA Europa League: MFK Ruzomberok- Everton

 

Despite losing Romelu Lukaku in the off season, Ronald Koeman has been allowed the kind of transfer freedon that no Toffees boss has had in decades and has started to assemble the strongest squad that Everton have had for many years and gave debuts to Cuco Martina, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen (pictured), (returning) Wayne Rooney and Sandro Ramirez in the first leg. There is likely to be more business (Sigurdsson for Barkley ?) and players like Jordan Pickford, Jagielka, Barry, Lookman, Funes Mari, Coleman, McCarhty, Lennon and Bolasie were not even involved against the Slovakians, who finished 3rd domestically last season for the first time in a decade, yet still 21 poiints adrift of champions Zilina and there is a massive gulf in class between the two clubs. Ruzomberok had an edge in fitness for the reverse fixture having already started their domestic campaign and having played Europa League games, but that will be significantly lessened today, now that Everton have that competitive 90 minutes under their belts and with the Premier League start just 9 days away.
 

The hosts play in a tiny sub 5,000 capacity home stadium and I suppose that will give them an edge of sorts, but competition for starting places amongst the visitors is on a whole new level now and this is a great opportunity for anyone starting to stake a claim for a regular spot and for fringe players and even those who were considered regulars last season, there might not be too many of these occasions. Everton were the 7th best team in the PL in 16/17, but were 15 points clear of the team immediately below them and now it has to be about bridging the gap to the top 6 and just in case they need more time to do so, cup runs will surely be seen as vital. They arrive here with a narrow 1-0 lead, but will probably enjoy more space this evening, will strip far fitter and more cohesive as a unit and I expect a two goal + win.