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Post by Everton News. on Aug 2, 2017 19:20:24 GMT
 Ronald Koeman has confirmed Jordan Pickford will make his competitive Everton debut in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League third round qualifier against MFK Ruzomberok. The Toffees carry a 1-0 win into Thursday’s contest, after Leighton Baines’ 20-yard strike earned a slender victory at Goodison Park last week. And, after arriving in Slovakia on Wednesday evening, Blues boss Koeman held a pre-match press conference at the Štadión pod Čebraťom, where he revealed Pickford - a summer signing from Sunderland for a potential Club-record fee rising to £30million – will be included in his starting line-up after being named on the bench for the first leg. “We know we need to make decisions on the team and it is not only about the goalkeeper,” said Koeman when asked about who would start in goal. “It’s still the pre-season but we can’t call it pre-season because we’re playing in an important game tomorrow. “Pickford will start the game.” Koeman also explained Wayne Rooney is fit and in contention for a starting berth after overcoming a minor groin problem. The 31-year-old made his first appearance for the Club in 13 years in the first leg after rejoining this summer from Manchester United - and could make his second Europa League appearance of the campaign against Norbert Hrnčár’s side. “Wayne had some groin issues in the past few days but he trained normally yesterday and this morning,” added Koeman. “He is fit to play tomorrow.” |
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Post by Everton News. on Aug 3, 2017 8:52:54 GMT
 Koeman Vows Everton Will Go On The AttackRonald Koeman insists Everton will go on the offensive in the second leg of their Europa League third round qualifier against MFK Ruzomberok - but the manager will not underestimate their Slovakian opponents. The Blues go into the return fixture on Thursday holding a 1-0 lead courtesy of Leighton Baines’ deflected goal at Goodison last week. Everton were deserving winners a week ago but Ruzomberok, who overturned a first-leg disadvantage in the previous round against SK Brann to progress, had their moments and were resilient throughout. Maarten Stekelenburg needed to make a splendid second-half save to ensure Everton travelled to Slovakia with a clean sheet. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on the eve of the match, Koeman said: “We always try to play offensive football and we have not come here to defend the result from the first leg. That’s not the way I like and not the best way to win the tie. “Ruzomberok will need to attack more. They did a good job [at Goodison Park] but it’s the second leg of this round and we see the outcome tomorrow." Everton’s players and staff jetted out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport at 3pm on Wednesday, with the flight taking a little over two hours. After landing, the travelling group headed straight to the picturesque 4,500-capacity Štadión pod Čebraťom to familiarise themselves with the setting for the second leg. The Blues will be cheered on by 450 Evertonians on Thursday evening (7.45pm kick-off UK time, 8.45pm local time). “We came straight from the airport to the stadium,” added Koeman. “It’s looking nice and it’s not like Everton’s stadium because there will be a much less of a crowd. There is a great view from the bench but it’s not about the view, it’s about the result. “I understand that for the club [MFK Ruzomberok] it’s a big challenge to play in Europe. We respect that. It’s all about 95 minutes tomorrow but there will be a good ambience to play football inside the stadium.” Everton FC |
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Post by Avinalaff on Aug 3, 2017 11:37:03 GMT
OK, I admit.
Getting nervous ha ha.
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sheff
Dodgy Goalkeeper
Posts: 891
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Post by sheff on Aug 3, 2017 12:29:15 GMT
OK, I admit. Getting nervous ha ha. Me too. If we score early I'll be fine otherwise I'm going to be a nervous wreck. |
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sheff
Dodgy Goalkeeper
Posts: 891
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Post by sheff on Aug 3, 2017 12:31:30 GMT
European football feels good. I just hope we qualify and get to the group stages. Does anybody know how many we have to win to do that? This tie and then a play-off game (I believe) Easy peasy lemon squeezy.  |
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