INTERVIEW: Swiss football writer Peter Berger looks at Everton against BSC

The Offside Rule Podcast asked Peter Berger who covers BSC Young Boys for 20Minuten in Switzerland about the Swiss side’s chances against the Toffees in their Europa League clash.

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BSC are about where you’d expect them to be so far this season in Switzerland, are they in a good position to be able to threaten Everton?

They are currently second in the league. They didn’t lose for nine games. The fact that they play on a synthetic turf may play as a reason for a surprise.

Everton certainly aren’t in great form right now compared to last season, is there a confidence in Switzerland they can spring a surprise?

Well, there is confidence for sure, especially for the game at home because of the synthetic turf. But whether Everton are in great form or not, it is still a club from the premier league. So, the Young Boys know that they need two great performances to stay in the contest.

In recent years, BSC have given Tottenham and Liverpool a few entertaining games. Can they take heart from that and are they naturally an attacking team. Given the amount of goals in those games it would appear they are?

Yes, they can. But they also know that it will not be easy. For sure Young Boys are an attacking team, especially at home.

BSC may not be the most well-known Swiss side in England, but what threat do they pose and who are the key men to watch out for?

They are not the most well-known Swiss because they never played in the Champions League yet. They didn’t win a title in Switzerland since 1987. Best player in the team is their French striker Guillaume Hoarau. He is a tall guy (1.92 m), able to score with the head and foot. He has a lot of experience as well (played a long time for Bordeaux). Defender Steve von Bergen is also worth a mention who plays for the Swiss national side.

And who on Everton’s team can expose any weaknesses in BSC’s team?

There are a few of them; Lukaku, Mirallas, Naismith and also Baines.

What will be deciding factor of the tie, in your opinion, given the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams?

The first game. If Young Boys win at home, they will have a chance at Goodison Park, because they have fast players for counterattacks.

Finally, what are the chances of BSC going through after the two legs?

40 percent.

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