5 things you should know about Everton’s next Europa League foes
Published:Everton did superbly well to thrash a well-respected Wolfsburg outfit 4-1 in their opening Europa League group game, but much less will be known about the Toffees’ next Group H opponents FC Krasnodar.
In what is one of the tougher groups in the competition, the Russian Premier League outfit managed to hold Lille 1-1 in France, and as the match odds suggest Everton will find them no pushovers either.
Roberto Martinez’s side are the 2/1 outsiders to leave the westerly Russian city with maximum points, while FC Krasnodar are 13/10 shots and the draw is placed at 23/10.
Here are five things Toffees fans ought to know about their side’s next opponents:
FC Krasnodar were only formed in 2008
Since Russian businessman Sergey Galitsky founded the club in ’08, FC Krasnodar have been fast-tracked to the country’s Premier League, despite failing to automatically gain promotions from their starting position in the third tier.
In 2013/14, their third season in the top tier, the team finished fifth to qualify for the Europa League while also reaching the Russian Cup final, only to lose on penalties.
They share a stadium with Kuban Krasnodar
Although there is a new stadium under construction which is due to be ready in 2015, for now the newest club in the city of Krasnodor bunks up with their established rivals.
Wanderson is their danger man
There is a distinctly Brazilian flavour about Krasnodar’s attack with three different Samba Boys often in the starting line-up.
Of Ari, Joaozinho and Wanderson it’s the latter who the likes of John Stones should be intent on marshalling closest, as the former GAIS striker has top scored the last two seasons, bagging in his last pair of appearances as well.
Wanderson is an 11/2 shot to score first against Everton.
They have two nicknames
Due to their home colours FC Krasnodar are known as the black-greens but also as Byki, translated as The Bulls.
They have been better on the road this season
During the opening nine games of their domestic season Kransnodar have gone unbeaten in five road fixtures, winning three of those.
It’s potentially good news for Everton that on their own patch they have won two and been defeated twice also, which sees them sit fifth in the Russian Premier League currently.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.
