Everton vs Hajduk Split: When is Europa league first leg qualifying round, what is the kick-off time, what’s the team news and what TV channel is it on?
- The Toffees edge ever closer to the Europa league but will hope for more defensive solidarity
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RONALD KOEMAN'S decision to move to a three-at-the-back system has certainly paid off so far, with 3 clean sheets in 3 competitive matches this season.
New additions of English talent included Michael Keane and Jordan Pickford who showed their worth in last Saturday's impressive defensive display against Stoke, where Everton fans were treated to a new era of tactics under their Dutch manager as they beat the Potters 1-0.
But more of the same is needed on Thursday night, as the prospect of Europa league football is just a two-leg tie away.
Only Hajduk Split stand in their way, the Croatian side finished in a respectable third place of the Croatia top tier, but are not to be underestimated, having comfortably beat Brondby 2-0 to reach the final playoff.
Wayne Rooney will play a key role in Everton's crucial match, joining the season after a Europa league win with former club Manchester United, Koeman is likely to rely on his experience and winning mentality in big matches to send the Blues into Europe again.
With Icelandic attacker Gyfi Sigurdsson allegedly about to sign for a monstrous fee of £45million, a win on Thursday could make for an exciting campaign for Everton.
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What is the Everton team?
When is Everton vs Hajduk Split?
The Toffees will kick off their crucial Europa league tie on Thursday, August 17.
They will host the fixture in Goodison park.
The game will kick off at 8:05 pm.
What TV channel is it on?
There is no UK broadcaster for the game, but you can watch it live on the club's YouTube channel for free.
The match kicks off at 8.05pm, and will be broadcast live on
It will not be available in Croatia and Holland.
Fact me
- Everton have won seven of their last nine European games (inc. qualifiers), including victories in each of their last three home games.
- Indeed, the Toffees have claimed victory in six of their last seven European games at Goodison Park, with their only loss coming in the 2014/15 group stages against FK Krasnodar, after already qualifying from the group.
- Everton were last in the Europa League play-off round in 2009/10, beating Sigma Olomouc 5-1 on aggregate over two legs.
- Hajduk Split have lost four of their last five European games against English opposition (D1), losing both of their most recent encounters against Stoke City in Europa League qualifying in 2011.
- The Croatian side have lost on six of their seven visits to England in European competition (D1), failing to score on five of the last six trips.
- Wayne Rooney has scored 39 goals in European competition, although all of these were for Manchester United (a club record total).