Joleon Lescott admits Everton face their toughest UEFA Cup test against Fiorentina.
Defender prepares to take on Italian giants
Joleon Lescott admits Everton face their toughest test of this season's UEFA Cup against Fiorentina in Italy.
The Toffees have cruised into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup on the back of eight consecutive wins but know this is the time when the competition becomes fierce.
"I would say that, due to the size of the club (Fiorentina), this is our biggest game so far in the competition," said Lescott.
"But we will show the same respect as when we went to Brann Bergen (in the last round).
"I don't think we should be worried in any game - some teams just deserve more respect than others."
Everton manager David Moyes is likely to stick with his tried and trusted formation, which means striker Yakubu will play on his own up front ahead of a five-man midfield.
But Lescott stressed this was not a negative ploy by the Merseysiders.
Confident
"We have been playing with one striker all season and, whoever it is, he will pose a big threat," said the England international.
"We will be confident and still get forward to score goals."
Moyes believes both his side and Fiorentina represent the future of the Champions League.
They occupy similar positions in the Barclays Premier League and Serie A and so are in the hunt to join Europe's elite next season.
"I would see it (Thursday's tie) more of two sides who in the future are going to be in the Champions League," said Moyes.
"Fiorentina are a very good team and I think there are a lot of similarities to Everton."
