Wednesday, September 30, 2009

BATE v Everton

BATE    v    Everton

    Europa League
    Venue: Dinamo Stadium Date: Thursday 1 October Kick-off: 1800 BST
    Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM, 1485 MW and DAB, BBC Sport website

    Steven Pienaar
    Pienaar injured his knee in Saturday's victory at Portsmouth

    Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar has been ruled out Thursday's Europa League clash with BATE Borisov in Minsk.

    The midfielder picked up a knee injury in Saturday's victory at Portsmouth that has since left him on crutches.

    Striker Louis Saha serves a one-match ban for his red card in the win over AEK Athens and Johnny Heitinga and Lucas Neill are both ineligible.

    Jack Rodwell has stayed at home to recover from flu, leaving boss David Moyes with a paper-thin squad.

    In total, Everton are without nine first team members at the Dinamo Stadium in Minsk and the Scot says BATE's experience in the Champions League makes them dangerous opponents.

    606: DEBATE
    Buck76-EFC

    "We would like to get something from the game but I can't stress enough what a really tough match this is for us," said Moyes.

    "If anyone is coming here thinking 'BATE who?' then they are in for big shock.

    "We watched them against Benfica and they are a decent side with a lot of energy. They are very good going forward and can cause problems.

    "The priority is to try to win the group. I see Benfica and BATE as our main threats."

    Everton have not conceded a goal in their last 371 minutes of play and stand-in captain Joseph Yobo is keen for that run to continue.

    "We know if we can keep clean sheets we can go on and win games," said the Nigerian centre-back.

    "It is something we want to continue as it is a very important aspect of the game.

    "We are back on track now and doing pretty good, so we are looking forward to this match.

    "BATE have played in the Champions League and will want to use this to their advantage. We will have to be on our guard."

    BATE coach Viktor Goncharenko says he is looking forward to entertaining the Premier League side in Minsk.

    "We are in a good mood as we are on a winning streak in our league and looking forward to facing Everton," said Goncharenko.

    "They prefer longs balls compared to the short passing of Benfica and they are very dangerous at set-pieces."

    о 12:46 AM

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