Hajduk Split scouting report: Everton’s quality should make the difference

Everton are riding a wave of optimism after an impressive transfer window this summer, but will they be strong enough to crack the top four?

It’s still a big ask with so much competition, but the Europa League could offer an alternative route to Champions League qualification.

Of course, they’ll have to beat Hajduk Split in their play-off to reach the competition’s group stages first. What will they be up against?

Everton are huge favourites at 2/9 to win next Thursday’s first leg at Goodison Park. Hajduk Split are at 12/1 and the draw is priced at 21/5.

Hajduk came third in the Croatian top flight last season, but they were the second-highest scorers in the division with 70 goals, just one less than the champions Rijeka.

Marko Futacs scored 18 of those goals to finish as the league’s top scorer and he could punish any defensive lapses from the Toffees.

With Seamus Coleman still out of action, Cuco Martina or Mason Holgate will need to pay careful attention to Ante Erceg too. The left winger has four goals in six games so far this season.

Croatia Under-21 international Nikola Vlasic is another potential attacking threat.

While Ronald Koeman’s side can’t afford to take the opposition lightly, they can put this tie to bed in the first leg if they’re focused.

We think there could be value in backing Everton and Over 3.5 Goals at 2/1.

Click here for the latest Everton v Hajduk Split odds.

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