EVERTON shouldn’t be in any doubt over how to approach the Europa League – they should just go for it.

After such a great result against Chelsea, they should be full of confidence and ready to dish out more of the same on a struggling Sporting Lisbon side who are there for the taking.

Aside from the disappointing display at Anfield in the derby, Everton have been in good form and that’s vital to progress in a knockout competition. The way they went about their business at Arsenal and against Chelsea shows how they can raise their game when it matters.

And make no mistake, tonight’s tie, and the whole Europa League campaign, really matters.

It would be different if Everton were involved in a possible fight for the top four, as they have been in recent seasons.

It’s even going to be a tough ask to get in Europe at all through the Premier League this season.

So what better reason to channel all your energies into this season’s Europa League?

It’s 15 years since Goodison Park put a new trophy in its cabinet and this is an opportunity to put that right.

David Moyes is getting all his most experienced players back and getting to a final last year will have done them the world of good in terms of knowing what it takes to close out the big games.

And the manager certainly won’t be worried about his side playing two games in a week – at this stage of the season, it proves you’re going well.

A FEW eyebrows were raised about the kick-off time for tonight’s first leg tie – 5.45pm seems bizarre for a Tuesday night game but we’re getting used to this now. At the end of the day, it will still be dark and the atmosphere will still be great