Everton will look to bounce back from the heaviest European defeat in the club's history when they take on Benfica in the UEFA Europa League at Goodison Park on Thursday.

David Moyes’ injury-hit side were taken apart by As Águias at the Estadio da Luz a fortnight ago, in a 5-0 mauling, and will want to put the record straight in the Goodison return.

The Toffees still have an excellent chance of qualification and a win against Jorge Jesus' side will see them leapfrog their opponents at the top of Group I, who they are currently level with on six points.

Following a 4-0 thumping of AEK at Goodison Park and a hard fought 2-1 away win against BATE, Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is confident his side can put in a good performance and move within touching distance of qualification.

"It's important for us because we were beaten up pretty bad over there. We want to advance out of this group and the best way is to get a result," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"There is a point to prove to ourselves - we don't want anything like that to happen again."

They certainly have a chance against a Portuguese giants who have been poor on the road so far this season.

Benfica are somewhat like Manchester City star Robinho, delightful at home when things are going well but, not so hot on the road when the tackles are flying and they are up against it.

Jesus’ men were beaten away to AEK Athens on the opening day and also lost the second leg of their qualifying round tie to minnows Vorskla Poltava.

However, O Glorioso have the ability to dominate games if given the time and space and have been impressive domestically this season, currently lying second place in the Portuguese league.

One player who will need to be watched is Argentine wing wizard Angel Di Maria who was the architect in his side’s five-star show in Lisbon, creating four goals for his elated team-mates.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a £15million move to England, with possible moves to Chelsea and Manchester United being mooted, and he will look to impress any perspective employers against the Toffees.

Last years third placed team in the Primeira Divisão, have a rich pedigree in Europe having made seven European Cup final appearances, winning two, and finishing as runners-up in the UEFA cup in 1983.

Everton’s injury crisis has improved slightly since the last time the pair met, but are in poor form having not won in their last six games.

Team News:

Louis Saha will face a late fitness test after picking up a slight calf strain in the Carling Cup to Tottenham and is the only fresh injury concern for the home side.

Central defenders John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are ineligible, while Tony Hibbert could return from a bout of the flu.

Defensive duo Phil Neville and Phil Jagielka are still short of full fitness, while Mikel Arteta has suffered a fresh setback in his attempt to return from a cruciate ligament injury.

Defender Cesar Peixoto and midfielder Carlos Martins remain the only injury concerns for Benfica ahead of the tie.

Probable Starting XIs (*Star man):

Everton (4-4-2): Howard; Hibbert, Distin, Yobo, Baines; Cahill, Rodwell, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov*; Saha, Yakubu

Benfica (4-1-2-1-2): Cesar; Pereira, David Luiz, Luisao, Shaffer; Garcia, Ramires, Aimar, Di Maria*; Cardozo, Saviola

ExtraFootie Prediction: Everton 2 - 1 Benfica - David Moyes' men will be intent on putting in a good performance against poor travellers Benfica and should have just enough to pick up three points.

Fancy a flutter? PaddyPower offers 275/1 for Everton to inflict a 5-0 reverse on the Portuguese side in the Europa League encounter or 12/1 for Di Maria to open the scoring.