Moyes out to restore pride
Posted Thursday, November 05, 2009 by PA
Everton manager David Moyes is determined his side will restore their battered reputation in Europe.
Benfica arrive at Goodison Park after inflicting a damaging 5-0 defeat on the English club in Lisbon, their heaviest loss in continental competition.
However Everton remain among the favourites to progress from Group I in the Europa League and their unbeaten home run at this level stretches to an impressive nine games.
Moyes said: "We do not use the word revenge but pride is at stake. We are hurting from the Benfica game and the result.
"Hopefully we can do something about it. We want to progress in the group, that is the important thing.
"It is great we are talking about expectations in Europe because that has not been the case for a long time.
"We are going to have a go and get a result. A point would not be a bad thing the way the group is going.
"The key is to qualify, that's our aim and we could find ourselves closer to that target on Thursday. But we have to play much better than we did in Lisbon."
Moyes will again be down on numbers as John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are both ineligible.
Louis Saha (calf), Tony Hibbert (flu) are doubtful through injury and illness but Steven Pienaar could be on the bench after a knee problem.
Despite their rout of Everton two weeks ago, Benfica are without a victory in seven European matches on the road.
The two teams are level on six points in the group., with the Portuguese side ahead on goal difference.
However, Benfica go into the match on the back of their first league defeat of the season at the weekend when they lost to Braga.
Coach Jorge Jesus, who is set to ring the changes, said: "It is an important game for both teams.
"Perhaps one point each would be good enough. But we have to think of both the Europa League and Portuguese league.
"While we won 5-0 the last time, Everton are a strong team. They like to play a direct style and will be difficult opponents on their own ground."
- Tag:
Photos
More»
'World Cup's sexiest fan' reveals she WILL be heading...
Saturday May 18 2024
Real star Endrick banned from having VIRTUAL lover
Saturday May 18 2024
Mikayla Demaiter took social media by storm once more
Friday May 17 2024
Your Say