Everton will need to keep their eyes on this man if they want to beat Young Boys

Everton may be faltering in the Premier League this season but one thing they have managed to do with gusto is get into the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Winning the competition would go a long way in appeasing the fans who have seen second season syndrome under Roberto Martinez, not to mention a £28 million layout on a forward who has not really lived up to expectations.

When the two teams take to the field on Thursday, Romelu Lukaku will not be the favourite to bag the first goal – Guillaume Hoarau will, with the Frenchman proving to be one of the stand out players during the group stages.

Given the forward is one of the joint top scorers in the competition so far, netting five goals in only six appearances – playing 425 minutes in total – also bagging an assist, you wouldn’t blame Roberto Martinez for worrying about the 30 year old.

Young Boys as a whole have been impressive throughout the tournament so far, managing to win four of their six games and all in spite of finding themselves in a group with Napoli and Sparta Prague.

Many may have felt the Swiss side would be the whipping boys of the group – but that has not turned out to be the case, with impressive performances from Uli Forte’s men who have not just set up to park the bus and defend.

Given the first leg is in Switzerland, Martinez will want his side to come away with an all important away goal – but they will have to make sure that they do not get caught on the break when trying to play their football and push for said goal.

Young Boys may not have world class players in their side or household names but they do have a team ethos and a mentality that will cause the Toffees problems.

Everton fans. Do you fancy your chances against Young Boys? Let us know your thoughts below, become a guest blogger or tweet us @LaFootyettes.