Preview: Young Boys vs. Everton

Everton return to Europa League action on Thursday when they travel to Switzerland to face Young Boys for the first leg of their last-32 tie.

The Toffees enjoyed a strong group campaign, losing just once on their way to finishing at the top of Group H above Wolfsburg, FC Krasnodar and Lille.

Meanwhile, Young Boys, who are coached by Uli Forte, edged into the knockout phase of the competition by finishing in second place in Group I.

The Swiss outfit boast a strong home record in Europe thanks to seven wins in their last seven matches at the Stade de Suisse in Bern. They have also scored 13 goals and conceded once on home turf in Europe this season.

When it comes to current form, both sides are struggling for consistency. Young Boys have won twice in their last six games in all competitions, while Everton have managed just one victory in that time.

Roberto Martinez's Merseysiders suffered heartbreak in their most recent fixture as a late goal from Willian saw them go down 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Young Boys fared better in their previous outing, with a 4-2 victory at home to Grasshopper Zurich keeping them on the tail of leaders Basel in the Swiss Super League.

Leighton Baines, Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar and Aiden McGeady are all doubtful for the visitors, who will also be without the cup-tied Aaron Lennon. The hosts have no fresh injury concerns heading into the game.

Young Boys:

Form in Europa League: WLWLWW Form in all competitions: DLWLDW

Possible starting lineup: Mvogo; von Bergen, Lecjaks, Vilotic, Nuzzolo; Gajic, Sanogo, Steffen, Hadergjonaj; Hoarau, Kubo

Everton:

Form in Europa League: LDDWDL Form in all competitions: DLDWDL

Possible starting lineup: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Oviedo; Besic, Barry; Mirallas, Barkley, Naismith; Lukaku

Sports Mole says: 1-1