Everton v Lille: Toffees to edge low-scoring affair

Every now and then the Europa League throws up a tie capable of dishing out football worthy of Europe’s other, better competition but that won’t be the case at Goodison Park this week.

Everton welcome Lille to Merseyside just a matter of weeks after being held to a 0-0 draw by the Ligue 1 outfit at the Stade Reims and the French side look ill-prepared to increase their scoring output.

However, while this game may turn out to be another dull Europa League offering, there are some bets to be had that can enhance anyone’s mood.

The Toffees are priced at 4/5 for the win, with Lille billed as 7/2 underdogs and the draw available at 5/2, but here James Curtis looks at three of the best bets on offer.

Lukaku to score first @ 5/1 (Boosted from 4/1)

Lukaku is back among the goals after netting two in his last four outings for Roberto Martinez’s men.

Half of his goals this season have come first in games and he proved just as adept at opening the scoring last year, netting first in five games for club and country.

With this game set to be low in scoring opportunities no one looks more likely than the Belgian and at the boosted price of 5/1 he has to be backed!

Under 2.5 goals @ 7/10

While 7/10 is not the most attractive of prices a winning bet is a value bet and if the last meeting between these two is anything to go by we’re in for another low scoring affair.

Everton struggled against Swansea last time out and heard the final whistle go before they could muster a goal.

Lille have been even more timid in front of goal of late, hitting just two converted chances in their last five outings.

Everton to win to nil @ 17/10

While the game doesn’t promise much in the way of goals, Everton look the only side likely to nick a result.

The Toffees have lost just once in six outings and just three times in 13 as hosts in the Europa League.

By contrast, Lille are without a win in six games and have failed to take maximum points on the road in 10 attempts in this competition.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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