Lille v Everton: Away-day joy on the cards for travelling Toffees

Everton have made a good start in the Europa League

Everton have made an unbeaten start to the Europa League, and Kevin Hatchard expects that record to continue in France against struggling Lille.

Lille v Everton
Thu October 23, 18:00
Live on ITV4

Roberto Martinez and some of his Everton squad are in uncharted waters when it comes to European competition, but the Merseyside giants have made a solid start to what is one of the trickier groups in the competition. A strong Wolfsburg side were blown away 4-1 at Goodison Park, and then the Toffees battled to a 1-1 draw in Russia against Krasnodar.

Although Everton's domestic form has been far from impressive this term - they are 13th in the Premier League - there is a sense that performances have been steadily improving. The weekend's 3-0 win over Aston Villa was welcome, Everton were repeatedly denied by an inspired David De Gea in a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United, and they hung in there to draw 1-1 at Anfield in the Merseyside derby.

The return from injury of immensely promising attacking midfielder Ross Barkley is a huge boost, and it somewhat offsets the absence of in-form forward Steven Naismith. Leon Osman has also been left behind with the injured John Stones and Kevin Mirallas, but veteran centre-back Sylvain Distin is available after a long absence.

Lille have been beset by injury problems this season, and they have won just five of their 16 matches in all competitions. They were dumped out of the Champions League qualifiers by Porto (harsh draw), and they have started the Europa League with 1-1 stalemates against Krasnodar and Wolfsburg. On-loan Liverpool striker Divock Origi could make himself popular with Reds fans before his switch to Anfield if he scores, and he has netted three goals in eight games.

5,500 Everton fans are expected to make the trip to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, and I have a feeling they might have something to cheer. Everton are finding their feet after an uncertain start to the campaign, and although Lille are usually solid in defence (keeper Vincent Enyeama is one of European football's best), they have kept just one clean sheet in their last five games. Martinez will field a strong side, and I think players like Barkley (if he starts) and Romelu Lukaku are capable of causing Lille plenty of problems.

Given that Lille don't look as strong as they did last term because of injuries and loss of form, I think the market is too skewed in their favour. I'm happy to back Everton Draw No Bet at 2.111/10, which pays out in the event of an away win but returns your stake if the match is drawn.

Recommended Bet

Back Everton Draw No Bet at 2.111/10

2014/15 Europa League P/L (1pt per bet)

Points Staked: 24

Points Returned: 27.38

P/L: +3.38 points