Thursday 2 October 2014 16:24, UK
Everton manager Roberto Martinez is hoping to make the most of some local knowledge in the Europa League Group H clash with Russian side FK Krasnodar on Thursday.
The Toffees’ squad includes winger Aiden McGeady, who moved to Goodison Park in January after three-and-a-half seasons in Russia with Spartak Moscow, as well as ex-Anzhi Makhachkala striker Samuel Eto'o.
"It helps that they have played in the league," Martinez said.
"When you come to an unknown environment like the one we have now, I think you can embrace it when you have a little bit of detail from some of the players.
When you come to an unknown environment like the one we have now, I think you can embrace it when you have a little bit of detail from some of the players.
"The word is that the Russian league is exciting, there is a lot of investment behind it and the teams are developing really strongly.
"We are not going to underestimate the game."
Martinez, whose side have had a mixed start to the season but won their Group H opener 4-1 at home against Germans Wolfsburg, has also stressed he is taking the competition seriously.
He said: "We will make changes, but that does not mean we don't want to win.
"We expect that everyone on the pitch knows what it means to play for Everton, wants to win, and will be able to cope with this club wanting to win every game."
Krasnodar, making their European debut this season, drew their first group game 1-1 with Lille in France.
