Not much going on, it must be said. Everton are again enjoying a spell of possession in midfield, but not doing much with it.

A let off for Everton that. The big man should have hit the target at least.

Oh hello. Early chance for the home side. They need to score remember.

A corner from the right is met by the head of Ruzomberok skipper Dominik Kruzliak - a free header - and the ball whizzes over Jordan Pickford's bar.

Wayne Rooney is supposed to playing up top for Everton tonight. Already he is dropping deep into the number 10 role, looking to make things happen from further back. Unfortunately he can't, losing possession as the attack breaks down.

A couple of nerve-settling early touches for Jordan Pickford, who is keen to use his feet as he passes out to his defenders.

Everton are quickly into their stride, hogging possession and knocking the ball around their back three and midfield.

A foray forward by the Toffees is whacked clear by a Ruzomberok defender all the way to Jordan Pickford.

'Ave it' as Peter Kay would say.

Apparently tonight's referee is a policeman by day. Let's hope he doesn't have to arrest anyone for crimes against football tonight.

The home side kick us off as Mr Tykgaard patiently waits for his watch to tick to 19:45. Attention to detail, I like it.

MFK Ruzomberok: Macik, Kruzliak, Jan Maslo, Peter Maslo, Menich, Qose, Gal-Andrezly, Takac, Kochan, Haskic, Daniel. Subs: Hajduch, Kunca, Kupec, Gerec, Kostadinov, Sapara, Lacny.

Everton: Pickford, Schneiderlin, Baines, Keane, Williams, Jagielka, Gueye, Klaassen, Davies, Sandro, Rooney. Subs: Stekelenburg, Mirallas, Martina, Barry, Calvert-Lewin, Holgate, Lookman.

Referee: Michael Tykgaard (Denmark)

One more glance at the teamsheet? Gotcha.

Now, we're a professional bunch here at BBC Sport. So while we have diligently done our homework on Ruzomberok - regulars in the Slovak top-flight for 20 years, finished third last year, competing in European football for the third time... - sometimes it is just better to let an expert do the talking.

Luckily Lukas Vrablik, a journalist for Slovakian newspaper Dennik N, has been telling Everton's official website all about tonight's opponents., external

"Ruzomberok don’t have real leaders or stars, they rely more on a collective effort from all of the players," he says.

"The biggest name in the squad is Marek Sapara, experienced 34-year-old playmaker, who was a big star when he played for Rosenborg.

"Another good player is young centre-back Dominik Kružliak. He played for a league select XI, too.

"However, I would not say there is anyone who is of Premier League standard."

Darkness has fallen on Ruzomberok. That mountain behind one of the goals lurks over the floodlit pitch like a shadowy ghoul.

What a scene as the players troop out of the narrow tunnel. Almost show-time...

Image source, Getty Images

A goal from Leighton Baines gave Everton a slender lead in their Europa League third qualifying round tie against Slovakian side MFK Ruzomberok on Wayne Rooney's return.

A frustrating display looked set to end in a draw until Baines cracked in a deflected shot from 20 yards.

Everton were dominant in possession throughout but still needed Maarten Stekelenburg to make a crucial save and turn Jan Maslo's header on to the crossbar.

Ronald Koeman gave debuts to summer signings Cuco Martina, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez but the Blues will need a better performance tonight if they are to reach the play-off round in August.

What were you doing last Thursday? It seems longer than a week ago, doesn't it.

A spot of dinner with a loved one? A sweaty gym session? Laughing with your mates on a WhatsApp group about how a footballer could one day be transferred for £200m?

Whataver, you might have missed the first leg at Goodison (or need a refresher of what happened)....

Image source, Getty Images

A bit of news announced earlier today...

Everton captain Phil Jagielka has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at the club until 2019.

The 34-year-old defender played 27 times as the Toffees finished seventh in the Premier League last season.

Everton have made seven new signings this summer and Jagielka now wants to help create "special memories".

"The club is moving forward," said Jagielka. "I do not think the transfer business is finished but it is good we have got people in nice and early."

Phil Jagielka is back in the Everton side tonight, making his 350th appearance for the Toffees.

And there is another reason for the 34-year-old defender to celebrate today...

Some users may have to click the link to see this Tweet.

Ruzomberok is not quite Runcorn, is it? Ever watched a football match from somewhere prettier? Than Ruzomberok, not Runcorn.

And have you ever watched a match (of any sporting kind) from a vantage point - thinking building/tree/shed roof - outside of a stadium?

Tell us where and when. Even better send us a photo. Tweet #bbcfootball.

Image source, Reuters

Slovakian sunshine. Overlooked by a small mountain packed with fir trees. Open ended behind each goal.

Picturesque isn't it? It might look like a place where teams go for some pre-season fun, but this is where the serious business takes place for Everton tonight.

You don't need to buy a season ticket if you live in one of those houses next door.

Image source, Reuters

So Jordan Pickford starts between the sticks as Maarten Stekelenburg drops to the bench.

Ronald Koeman played four at the back in the first leg, but switches to a three-man defence with skipper Phil Jagielka coming in.

Tom Davies and Sandro Ramirez also start as Koeman makes four changes, with some fella called Wayne Rooney keeping his place up front.

Image source, #bbcfootball

Toffees boss Ronald Koeman told us ahead of the match that Jordan Pickford would start tonight. But what about the rest of the starting XI. Let's find out...