Lyon vs Everton - as it happened: Toffees dumped out of Europa League by French hosts
Re-live all the action from The Groupama Stadium
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Your support makes all the difference.Everton travel to Lyon on Thursday night knowing that anything less than a win will see them crash out of the Europa League this season.
After three games, the Toffees have only managed to earn a single point in Group E and would need a radical turnaround in performance to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout rounds. Recent form, however, gives little to be optimistic about. As well as being eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Chelsea last week, two consecutive league defeats – including a 5-2 thrashing at home to Arsenal - have left the Merseyside club languishing in the relegation zone, merely four points off bottom-placed Crystal Palace.
Moreover, this run of disappointing results has been exacerbated by a context of managerial uncertainty. Following the sacking of Ronald Koeman last Monday, caretaker boss David Unsworth has done little to convince the Everton hierarchy that he is the right person for the job. Although he is likely to take charge again in Lyon, the imminent prospect of him being swapped for a more long-term replacement – most likely during the international break, which starts next Monday - will do little to settle the struggling Toffees.
Given their very slim chances of progressing in Europe, expect some squad rotation from Unsworth tonight as he seeks to rest some key players for Sunday’s league game against Watford. Schneiderlin and Baningme are likely to be paired in central midfield, whilst Cuco Martina may also replace Leighton Baines at left back.
For the hosts, eager to cement their place in the last-32 with a decisive victory over their struggling visitors and confident with a four-game winning streak coming into this match, expect a full strength XI. Although Grenier and Mendy are both sidelined with injuries, star forwards Memphis Depay and Nabil Fekir will both be aiming to inflict some pain on the Toffees.
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What time does it start?
Lyon vs Everton kicks off at 18:00
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2 from 17:30. Highlights will be shown at 22:15 on BT Sport 2.
It’s a big game for…
Gylfi Sigurdsson. The elegant Icelander is yet to justify his record £40 million price-tag yet having endured a mixed early start to the season. Not started by Unsworth against Leicester, the midfielder is likely to begin here in a No.10 role and an improved showing will help solidify a place for him in the regular starting team.
Best stat…
6. For all their struggles, the Toffees can at least take pride in playing six teenagers in the Premier League this season, two more than any other club (Ademola Lookman, Mason Holgate, Nikola Vlasic, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Tom Davies and Beni Baningime). It remains to be seen, however, if Everton will win anything with these kids…
Remember when…
Ashley Williams sparked a memorable fight when these two sides met in the first leg of this double-header two weeks ago. His fervour failed, however, to stop his team slumping to a 2-1 home loss.
Player to watch…
Memphis Depay. The Dutchman is one of four ex-Manchester United players that could be involved tonight: Depay and Rafael for Lyon and Morgan Schneiderlin and Wayne Rooney for Everton. Depay, though, is the man in form. After an unfulfilling couple of seasons at the United, the winger is starting to live up to his tremendous promise, netting six and assisting three times in all competitions so far this season.
Previous meetings…
Everton 1 (Williams) Lyon 2 (Fekir, Traore), Europa League, October 2017
Form guide…
Lyon: DDWWWW
Everton: LDLLLL
Odds…
Lyon: 17/35
Everton: 11/2
Draw: 17/5
Arsenal 0-0 Red Star
90+2' - Francis Coquelin sees his name up in lights as he tries to win the match in injury time with a long-range volley. He scuffs his shot though and the ball bounces behind for a goal-kick.
Full-time - Arsenal 0-0 Red Star
The final whistle goes and a rather drab match ends in a 0-0 draw. The result is enough to see Arsenal qualify for the knock-out stages due to Cologne's 5-2 win over BATE in the group's other match.
Stay tuned for reaction from the Emirates.
Post-match reaction from Jack Wilshere
On Arsenal securing qualification with two games to spare: "It's nice. Of course we wanted to win the game tonight. We're not delighted with a point but we'll take it."
On Arsenal's performance on the night: "In the first half they were the better team. We were better in the second half. We weren't as good as we have been in recent performances but we didn't lose the game and we'll learn from this."
On missing out on the England squad: "I feel good. I'm trying to get in the team. It's difficult here, there are good players here. I'm happy with where I am and there's a little bit more to come from me but at the moment I'm enjoying my football and I'm enjoying being back in an Arsenal shirt."
On this Sunday's difficult trip to Manchester City: "We'll have to better when we go to City. They're really good but we'll be ready for it. We've got confidence in ourselves and hopefully we'll get something out of the game."
Quotes from BT Sport
Thanks for tuning in to tonight's Europa League action! Join us again on Saturday as we bring you all the goals and generally important stuff from the Premier League, including Liverpool's trip to West Ham.
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