Toffees head to Ukraine
31 Aug 2007 - 12:55:05
Everton face a tricky test in the first round of the UEFA Cup as they have been paired with Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv.
Metalist finished third in their national league last season, behind the two powerhouses of Ukrainian football, Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Bolton Wanderers have been paired with FK Rabotnicki Kometal of FYR Macedonia, who won their national league title in both 2005 and 2006.
Blackburn Rovers' reward for seeing off MyPa-47 in the final qualifying round is a meeting with Greek outfit AEL Larissa, who number former Everton striker Ibrahima Bakayoko and ex-Newcastle United defender Nikos Dabizas among their squad.
Tottenham Hotspur will head to Cyprus to face Anorthosis Famagusta, who are currently coached by former Newcastle United midfielder Temuri Ketsbaia, while former Southampton ace Marians Pahars leads their attack.
SPL representatives Aberdeen will also face Ukrainian opposition as they take on Dnipropetrovsk.
The first leg of the first round ties is scheduled for the week commencing September 17, with the returns a fortnight later.
