Europa League: Young Boys v Everton Preview

Can The Toffees continue their impressive away form in Europe?

Everton will be looking to continue their fine away run in this season's Europa League when they travel to Switzerland to face Young Boys in the last 32. The Toffees are currently unbeaten away from Goodison Park in this season's competition, in stark contrast to their Premier League form. Roberto Martinez's side came through trips to Krasnodar and Lille unscathed before an impressive 2-0 victory at in-form Wolfsburg saw them top Group H. The Blues' resolve will be tested to the maximum tonight when they visit a Young Boys side that have been in formidable form at their Stade de Suisse. Young Boys have won their last seven Europa League home ties which shows how daunting a prospect this tie is in reality. Many expect Everton to breeze thorough this two-legged affair with consummate ease. YB finished one point behind group I winners Napoli and three clear of Sparta Prague, which shows they are no mugs. And in striker Guillaume Hoarau they have one of the players of this season's competition as the Frenchman has scored five times in his six appearances in the group stages. The former PSG man's form isn't reserved for European competition either, he has also fired six in 13 in the league to put Young Boys in second spot, eight points behind Basel. Everton watch out. Everton last reached this stage of the competition in 2009/10, losing 4-2 on aggregate to Sporting Lisbon after a 3-0 defeat in Portugal. This is the first time the sides will meet, but Young Boys have an indifferent record against the English. They have played four previous matches against teams from England's top division, winning once, drawing once, losing twice and conceding 13 goals in the process. Leighton Baines and Aiden McGeady are among eight Everton players not to have made the trip to Bern. Young Boys will be without goalkeeper David Von Ballmoos and midfielder Matias Vitkieviez for the game.
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Video & written Content Producer for WhatCulture Wrestling. NCTJ trained journalist. BA Hons, Sports Journalism.