The Toughest Route?

Along with just about everyone else, I can't judge many Greek or Estonian teams. But I do know that anyone with a Sun journalist mentality of blaming England or whoever for not thrashing foreigners we've ner heard of should be shot.

So, what does this "tough route" mean? What we do know is that all the clubs in the draw were ranked according to their "coefficient" based on their five-year record and that of their national association. So, Everton have a score of 24.6. On the same rating, who are we playing against? Add up the other 4 scores, divide by 4, and you get 45.2.

Now do the same for Bolton. They start at 32.6 and their opposition average at 33.3. Tottenham start at 40.6 and their four opponents average at 23.3.

Whether from well informed European knowledge, or a well-judged scan of the stats, Andy Hunter has a good point, and I thank him for making it. To add a bit of misery, our group's score is as low as it is because Larissa had only 8.4 to contribute, and, as we know, they dispatched Mark Hughes's Blackburn. Which is where we should move away from the numbers to the flesh and blood. Everton can beat, or lose to any team in our group. As can Bolton or THFC.

The way I look at it, David Moyes has a well defined task ahead of him. The resources of our club can be used to progress to the next stage. Players available/injured and the like, but referees decisions for me, will be important.

But this applies to Bolton and Spurs too. Braga and an 'unknown' Greek team are no rollovers. The mighty Spurs (who did they score 6 against? ? anyone remember?) look down at a top Israeli team and Getafe ? nowhere a few years ago, taking on the might of La Liga now.

No doubt it will be tough, but not because of the stats. At long last we went away and came back winners. It can be done. It will be done.

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