Sporting Lisbon defender Tonel is bracing himself for a physical
battering from Everton in Tuesday night's Europa League game at
Goodison Park.
Tonel expects to be kept on his guard by the likes of Louis
Saha, Ayegbeni Yakubu and James Vaughan as the sides square up for
the first leg of their last 32 encounter.
He said: "We know they will use the long ball and we expect
it to be a physical game.
"But we are prepared for that and will try to apply ourselves
in the correct way.
"It is not just about one or two individuals, we have to
watch Everton as a team if we are to do well."
Tonel is hoping Sporting can rediscover their form in Europe
after a dip at home, which sees them lying a distant fourth to
Benfica in the Liga Sagres table.
He said: "The players do not have to be told results have not
been good enough. We know that more than anyone.
"We are determined to do well against Everton. We won't throw
in the towel, we will put in the effort in the hope we can get our
rewards."
Midfielder Marat Izmailov is set to face Everton but may not
see out the campaign with speculation rife in Portugal that he will
soon be heading back to Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow.
The 27-year-old is apparently keen to return home with the
Russian season due to start next month.
Coach Carlos Carvalhal refused to discuss the situation ahead
of a training session at Goodison Park, however.
Carvalhal took charge only last November but he sees this as
arguably the biggest game of his career.
"It is not the most important match for me, " he said. "They
are all important. I am here to represent Sporting as well as I can
in every game."
