Howard To Keep His Place Against Young Boys

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard will keep his place for their Europa League tie with Young Boys despite poor form.
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The American was criticised for both Leicester goals
in Sunday’s 2-2 draw but boss Roberto Martinez said
he will continue in the last-32 second leg.
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The Blues will assess midfielders Leon Osman and
Steven Pienaar, who have not featured since
December, as Everton prepare to defend a 4-1 first-
leg lead.
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Sylvain Distin is fit but Christian Atsu misses out
through illness.
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Howard’s performance against Leicester City drew
questions and only a late own goal earned Everton a
point.
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Martinez wants to add another goalkeeper to his
squad and though back-up Joel Robles has impressed during 10 outings this season, Howard has played in all but one of their Europa League contests.
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“Tim has come back from injury and needs to play,”
Martinez said. “It’s not an issue whatsoever. He is a
very experienced footballer and in European nights
you need that experience.”
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The Everton boss has warned of the “huge problem”
that exists in the potential for complacency with a
three-goal first-leg cushion as his side seek a last-16
place for the first time since 2008.
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Everton’s below-par domestic campaign has left them.
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17 points adrift of the Premier League’s top six and
so the Champions League qualifying-round place on
offer for lifting the Europa League offers a potential
route to European football next season.
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“Realistically the best hope we have is to go on and
win this competition,” said midfielder Gareth Barry.
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“It’s a massive target for us.
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“We have already showed we are more than capable
against the best in Europe to win games. We know on our day we can beat anybody.”