Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes that his side's double-header against French side Lille could prove like a "final" in terms of the way that Group H of the Europa League will pan out. The Toffees play against Lille tomorrow night, ahead of the reverse fixture on the 6th of November at Goodison Park.
The Premier League side have 4 points out of a possible 6, having thrashed Bundesliga side Wolfsburg on the opening night and drawing away from home against Russian club Krasnodar.
Speaking at the press conference, Martinez had this to say:
"Lille are a team we respect and admire, they've had a few injuries and probably they are seeing tomorrow's game as the most important of their campaign. For us it is exactly the same, and it could be some sort of a little final within the group stage due to the importance of these games.
"I was a big admirer of the way Lille played last season - in some of the games they were really brave and really open. This season they have started well but are waiting to really click, and that is our worry - we don't want them to click tomorrow. We need to be concentrating on what we want to do and make sure we perform extremely well."
And, a star man in Lille's ranks is certainly one to look tomorrow. Liverpool's £10million pound summer signing Divock Origi, who was loaned back out to the French club; Martinez has had a few words to say about the young striker:
"Divock Origi is a well-known player already, including in England after his role in the World Cup with Belgium. We know that in years to come he is going to have a big say in the Premier League - he is a very talented young man."