AEK Athens coach Dusan Bajevic has urged his players to avenge their 4-0 Merseyside mauling by defeating Everton in Athens to claim a place in the last 32 of the Europa League at the expense of David Moyes' side.
AEK put in one of their most disappointing displays of what has been a poor season at Goodison Park in September and tomorrow's Group I showdown between the two sides in Athens could define the Yellows' season.
Despite a return to form at the weekend, when they moved up to fifth place thanks to a 1-0 home win over PAOK Salonica, AEK remain 12 points off the pace in the Super League and are out of the Greek Cup.
Therefore, the visit of Everton effectively represents a last chance for AEK to keep alive a season not yet at its halfway point.
A draw will guarantee AEK something to play for on matchday six but a loss would mark the end of their campaign, while Everton will qualify if they win and BATE Borisov fail to beat section leaders Benfica.
"We can't forget the first result against Everton and we have to show we are better than that," said Bajevic.
"If we manage to play at the level we know we can then I'm certain that we will take the win that we need."
AEK are preparing for the visit of Everton amid a deepening financial crisis that has engulfed the club. Major shareholder Nikos Notias has embarked on a worldwide search for an investor who could pull the club out of its troubles.
AEK's imposing Sweden defender Daniel Majstorovic, who missed the defeat at Goodison due to injury, is back to shore up the Greek side's defence, and he insisted the players will be fully focused on the match.
"Of course this situation isn't easy for us but we need to be focused on playing," he said. "The game is very important for the team and we must stay concentrated."
AEK have minimal injury problems ahead of the contest, with their only absentees being defender Sanel Jahic and on-loan Liverpool forward Krisztian Nemeth, both of whom are nursing minor leg injuries.
Everton come into the game on the back of a grim pair of outings against Benfica.
A 5-0 loss to the Portuguese side on Matchday Three was their heaviest away defeat in Europe while a 2-0 loss on November 5 was their biggest UEFA club competition home reverse.
Their domestic form has also been less than impressive, with Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Liverpool at Goodison Park in the Merseyside derby leaving the club lingering in 16th place with 15 points.
Moyes insists his players can turn their season round, but is not expecting a repeat of his team's 4-0 win over AEK on Matchday One.
"I never think any win is easy; I think you always have to work hard for it," said Moyes. "I think tomorrow will be a much more difficult game.
"AEK have showed good home form in Europe, particularly against Benfica when they won 1-0, so that shows that it will be a different game."
Moyes has been hit with further injuries with defender Joseph Yobo failing to make the trip to Athens due to a hamstring injury which forced him off during Sunday's derby. Leon Osman, who is nursing a foot injury, also misses out.
Midfielder Jack Rodwell made the trip but is a slight doubt with groin trouble while Lucas Neill and John Heitinga are both ineligible.
