Everton v Krasnodar Europa League group qualifiers 2014

          Everton have performed well in the Europa League. Before kick-off, they were already guaranteed to progress to the next round of the competition, so there was no pressure on the team to get something from the game.  It was a chance to give their reserve players some game time, a good tactic, as these players are keen to impress and show the manager their worth. As for the Russian side, they have had a dismal European campaign. They sat rock bottom of Group H with not a single win to their name before kick-off, and would remain there if they did not take points from this fixture. However, a win tonight against a weakened Everton side would renew some confidence within the squad.

          Despite neither side having anything to play for in this match, it was a good contest. It was great to see that Roberto Martinez had chosen a lot of young players, a number of them being Everton academy graduates and, despite a few lapses in concentration at the back, they settled into the game well. Garbutt the left back was particularly impressive. He got forward often and was always looking to run at the defence and cause them problems. Despite starting promisingly, there was not a lot of creativity in the final third. On a night that was set for the youngsters of Everton to shine, it was typical that, instead, the visitors had the majority of the chances and just after the half hour mark, Krasnodar took the lead. The game then became a very open affair, as Everton searched hard for an equaliser, and Krasnodar pressed for a second. Everton re-asserted themselves in the game but half time came at the wrong moment for them, as they were just starting to get into a good rhythm. Everton went into half time 1-0 down.

           Roberto Martinez looked increasingly frustrated with his young side. Their passing football was easy on the eye but they lacked any cutting edge and rarely caused the Russian sides defence any difficulties. Everton were finding it hard to cope with Krasnodar, and if the visitors were more clinical with the opportunities presented to them, they could have been three up by the hour mark. The second half lacked the intensity of the first, and the game rather petered out towards the end, with the away side maintaining their advantage, and leaving Goodison park with all three points.

          It was a valiant effort from Everton's youngsters and it was good to see them acquire some match practice. In patches, they played stylish football, but really did not have anyone who looked like they were going to find the net today. Nonetheless, they now have been given a taster of the Europa League and can take many positives from this evenings contest. Krasnodar did well to come to Goodison Park and take all three points today, despite being against a weakened opposition. At least they have now recorded a win in this year's Europa League, despite having been already knocked out of the competition prior to kick-off. Everton can now focus on their domestic campaign. They will feel confident for Monday night's game against QPR as their first team has now had a substantial rest.

Cardiff v Rotherham Preview 2014

          Cardiff have improved in recent weeks. The club seems far more stable than it previously was at the start of the season. The new players have settled in well, and with Russell Slade at the helm, they look well organised. Cardiff's aim is to occupy a spot in the top six by the end of the calendar year, and they are on course to achieve that at the moment. Last weeks win over Watford was a great step forward, despite it not being the most convincing of victories, and it was enjoyable to see that at the end of the game, the manager went over to the fans to celebrate, portraying his passion for the club.

          Rotherham will be a fixture that many fans will expect Cardiff to take all three points from, but the players can not be complacent. Rotherham are hovering just above the relegation zone but that does not mean they are a weak side. Russell Slade knows all about Rotherham having lost to them in the League One Play Off final last year when he was in charge of Leyton Orient, so there is no doubt he will want revenge. Cardiff are unfortunately without Pilkington and Manga who have suffered injuries which rules them out of the game. Both these players are key to Cardiff's side, but given their strength in depth, they should be able to bring in players that can do the job just as well. With the Bluebirds being at home against a team that is likely to be involved in a relegation battle this year, anything less than a win will be disappointing.

          As for Rotherham, they have found life hard in the Championship so far, but should certainly not be under estimated. They have recorded famous wins against the likes of Wolves and Blackburn at the start of the season, but as is the story for many promoted sides, they find it hard to consistently perform at the level required to compete with the teams in this league.

          There is no doubt that Cardiff should win this game. They are more than capable of winning the match comfortably, but it will not come easy. Rotherham are fighting for their place in this league and will not go down without a fight. They know they have a challenge on their hands today, with Cardiff being one of the stronger sides in the Championship, but they will certainly give Russell's Slade's men a run for their money. However, I do believe Cardiff's quality will shine through, and they will record their ninth win of the season. 

Prediction: Cardiff 2-0 Rotherham