Preview: Everton vs. Dynamo Kiev

Everton's Europa League adventure continues on Thursday night when they welcome Dynamo Kiev to Goodison Park for the first leg of their last-16 encounter.

The Toffees thrashed Swiss side Young Boys 7-2 on aggregate in the last round to advance.

Manager Roberto Martinez recently admitted that his side is in a relegation battle in the Premier League following a disappointing campaign so far, but the Merseysiders have relished the chance to make a name for themselves in Europe.

Everton have won three of their four home games in the Europa League this season, with a 1-0 loss to FC Krasnodar in the group stage their only reverse.

Dynamo Kiev booked their place in the last 16 after fighting back to defeat Guingamp over two legs. The Ukrainians were beaten 2-1 in France before earning a 3-1 triumph on home turf to progress.

That victory marked the start of a four-game winning run for Sergei Rebrov's men, and they will fancy their chances of picking up a positive result to take back with them for the return fixture. However, they have won just four of their previous 22 European games against English sides.

The hosts will be without Leighton Baines, Leon Osman and Aiden McGeady, while Tony Hibbert and Bryan Oviedo also remain out of action.

Younes Belhanda, Sergei Rybalka and top scorer Andriy Yarmolenko are all suspended for the visitors, who also have Lukman Haruna, Yevhen Makarenko and Yevhen Selin sidelined through injury.

Everton:

Form in Europa League: DWWLWW Form in all competitions: LWDWLL

Possible starting lineup: Howard; Alcaraz, Stones, Jagielka, Coleman; Barry, McCarthy, Gibson, Barkley, Naismith; Lukaku

Dynamo Kiev:

Form in Europa League: LWWWLW Form in all competitions: DLWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Shovkovsky; Vida, Danilo Silva, Dragovic, Antunes; Chumak, Miguel Veloso; Lens, Buyalskyy, Husyev; Kravets

Sports Mole says: 1-1