Thursday September 28, 20:05
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Injury-hit Everton struggling to convince
I must admit I totally over-estimated Everton ahead of their Europa League trip to face Atalanta. At what was effectively a neutral venue, many miles from Atalanta's Bergamo base, I thought the Toffees could get a result. However, they were dismantled 3-0, with all three goals coming in the first half.
Everton's lack of pace was once again exposed on Matchday One, as it has been several times this season. Home wins over Sunderland in the League Cup and Bournemouth in the Premier League have salved a few wounds, but overall it's been a disappointing start to a season that appeared to promise so much given the investment in the squad over the summer. Everton have lost four of their last six games in all competitions, and have won just twice in the last eight.
Of course, an injury crisis hasn't helped, and centre-backs Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka are both now on the sick list. Key players like Yannick Bolasie and Ross Barkley have been out for some time, and that heaps pressure on proven performers like Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wayne Rooney to step up.
Hardy Apollon could be a tough nut to crack
Apollon Limassol haven't been champions of Cyprus for more than a decade, but they have won the Cypriot Cup in each of the last two seasons, and they have raised a few eyebrows in European competition as well. This season alone, they have knocked Aberdeen and strong Danish side Midtjylland out of the Europa League qualifiers, and on Matchday One they held last season's semi-finalists Lyon to a 1-1 draw in Cyprus. Admittedly they needed a last-gasp equaliser, but it's still a terrific result.
If you look at Apollon's recent history, they have consistently shown they can dig in and compete at this level. They haven't lost by more than one goal in any of their last 15 UEL games, a run that stretches back to 2014.
Everton may well win, but they'll be made to work
Everton have won both Europa League home games this term, beating Ruzomberok 1-0 and Hajduk Split 2-0. However, they have had some shocking displays already this season, so I can't get excited about backing them to win at 1.31. If anything, Apollon's proven durability at this level leads me to believe the visitors are worth giving a goal-and-a-half start to on the Asian Handicap at [2.05].
Goals could be in short supply
Apollon would love to come away with a point from this, while Everton are still fragile despite those recent home wins. Four of Apollon's last five games have been 1-1 draws, and it's worth remembering that Everton have only scored more than one goal in three of their 12 games this term.
Recommended Bet
Back Apollon +1.5 on the Asian Handicap at [2.05]
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