Wolfsburg v Everton: Toffees to come unstuck in the Wolves' lair

Kevin De Bruyne - genius on the pitch, naughty scamp off it

Everton have managed to stay unbeaten in the Europa League so far, but Kevin Hatchard suspects that run could come to an end at in-form Wolfsburg...

Wolfsburg v Everton
Thursday November 27, 18:00
Live on ITV4

When Group H was drawn, it was described by many as a typical "Group of Death". Everton, Lille and Wolfsburg all seemed to be on a similar level, with Krasnodar the whipping boys. That's pretty much how it has worked out, but Everton and their astute manager Roberto Martinez deserve huge credit for remaining unbeaten so far. 

Gutsy draws in Russia and France have been blended with convincing home wins against Wolfsburg (4-1) and Lille (3-0), and Everton realistically need just a point to progress. In truth, even if they lose this game in Germany, I would still expect the Toffeemen to beat Krasnodar at Goodison and book their place in the last 32. They might not even need to do that.

Wolfsburg had a wobble at the weekend as they lost 3-2 at Schalke (one of their bogey sides), but their form over the last couple of months has been superb. Before that reverse at the Veltins Arena, Dieter Hecking's men had racked up eight wins in a row, scoring 25 goals in the process. Indeed, the Wolves have scored at least twice in each of their last eight games.

Wolfsburg's driving force in attack has been Chelsea reject Kevin de Bruyne, who couldn't convince Jose Mourinho that he has the right mentality to succeed at the highest level. While he has been known to attract attention for his exploits off the field, the willowy winger has been simply sensational on the pitch. He leads the Bundesliga with nine assists, and his elusive running and dead-ball delivery is proving tough for opposition defences to handle. The Bundesliga seems to agree with him - he previously excelled during a season-long loan with Werder Bremen.

Everton are without some key players. Influential left-back Leighton Baines and in-form forward Steven Naismith are both injured, while Darron Gibson, Gareth Barry and Steven Pienaar have all been sidelined. Ivorian striker Arouna Kone could play for the first time in over a year after recovering from a serious knee injury.

With a huge game against Borussia Monchengladbach coming up this weekend, Wolfsburg boss Hecking has suggested he will make changes to his starting eleven, but I still think stars like De Bruyne will start. Wolfsburg have lavished money on a deep squad, and they know only a victory will guarantee qualification. I think 1.865/6 looks a decent price for the home win, especially as the hosts have improved massively from that demoralising night at Goodison Park.

Recommended Bet
Back Wolfsburg to win at 1.865/6

2014/15 Europa League P/L (1 pt per bet)

Points Staked: 38

Points Returned: 45.76

P/L: +7.76 points