Tomorrow night sees the third round of Europa League group games commence.
For English clubs, there is contrasting fortune because Everton sit bottom of group E whilst Arsenal top group H.
Come 10pm tomorrow evening, will both clubs be sharing the same fortune or will they be poles apart in their qualification dreams?
Red Star Belgrade vs Arsenal
Arsenal head to Serbia needing a win to lift spirits after a disappointing defeat at Watford on Saturday.
Victory would help the Gunners was away any doubts about their ‘cojones’ as Watford’s Troy Deeney described them on Saturday night.
Thankfully Red Star Belgrade do have their ‘cojones’ about them in a tough group H, sitting second after the two opening rounds.
Arsenal however are top so perhaps they are prioritising this competition more than their domestic league.
Either way, Arsene Wenger is putting out a strong team featuring Aleix Sanchez here so can see them edging this.
Prediction: Red Star Belgrade 1-2 Arsenal
Result: Red Star Belgrade 0-1 Arsenal
Everton vs Lyon
This is a must win match for Everton because defeat coupled with Atalanta beating Apollon Limassol, would send them closer to an early exit.
Luck might actually be on the Toffees’ side because Lyon are missing several key players including Mariano Diaz.
Ronald Koeman himself knows how important a win is and has mentioned the situation in his press conference.
Speaking to the media, Koeman said; “It is a really important game,”
“We know the situation in the group – we need a win. We expected a win last time against Apollon Limassol but we were unlucky and they scored in the last few minutes [to draw].
“But you know that one point from two games means you need a win. You need three wins at home and try to pick up what you can away. The situation is that we need to win to get good possibilities to go through in this tournament.”
Given Everton’s buys this summer, people would of expected better so the ex Southampton boss needs a win or his job could be at risk.
Personally, Lyon will be a tough ask to beat but can see the home fans playing their part in getting a tight win and easing pressure on Koeman.
Prediction: Everton 1-0 Lyon
Result: Everton 1-2 Lyon
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