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Post by Everton News. on Mar 12, 2015 17:04:38 GMT
Everton v Dynamo Kiev: Toffees target Europa League respiteEverton will be out to continue their impressive recent European form when they host Dynamo Kiev in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday. The Toffees' midweek 2-0 defeat at Stoke consigned them to just one win from their last 12 Premier League games. But despite sitting just six points above the relegation zone, Roberto Martinez's side have been in formidable form in European competition, winning five of their eight ties this season, including a comprehensive 7-2 aggregate victory over Young Boys last time out. The Merseysiders will see this game as an ideal opportunity to kick-start their stuttering campaign and, result permitting, head back into Premier League action on the back of a victory. The Ukrainians head to England having edged past Guimgamp 4-3 in the round of 32, as Oleg Gusev's late penalty edged a hotly-fought contest in Kiev. Former Tottenham and West Ham striker Sergei Rebrov now manages Dynamo and he will looking to emulate the success he had as a player against Everton, having netted twice against them for Spurs in September 2000. Team newsEverton defender John Stones (virus) and midfielder Leon Osman (knock) will be assessed ahead of tonight's game. Christian Atsu, recently out due to illness, could return to action with fellow winger Aaron Lennon (cup-tied) unavailable, while Leighton Baines (thigh), Bryan Oviedo (hamstring), Tony Hibbert, Steven Pienaar and Aiden McGeady (all knee) remain sidelined. Dynamo Kiev will be without winger Jeremain Lens, and veteran goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskiy is also a doubt. Serhiy Rybalk is suspended, but Andrii Yarmolenko is available after his three-match ban was reduced to one game - which he has already served. BettingEverton are 4/5 to continue their European run by dumping Kiev (11/10) out. The Toffees are 5/4 to take a lead into the second leg, with the visitors 11/5 to win at Goodison Park and 23/10 to draw. Romelu Lukaku has reserved his best form for this competition, and the odds have been boosted on the Belgian to score in a home win from 13/8 to 7/2. Meanwhile, pundits Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas have both tipped the Toffees to win 2-1 on the night at 8/1. Sky Sports
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