Take Lukaku to be Everton’s star once more against Stoke

Everton have won this fixture by one goal to nil twice in the last three seasons and Roberto Martinez’s side can complete the set at 5/1.

Although more expressive at times under the Spaniard than they were under David Moyes, Everton have still kept their defensive strength, especially at home.

The Toffees have kept eight clean sheets in their last 11 matches at Goodison Park and although the wheels came off against Liverpool last weekend, the derby is not the ideal barometer.

Indeed, Everton have conceded 13 in their last seven home games against Liverpool which is markedly different from the 17 (2012/13) and the 15 (2011/12) goals that they conceded in 19 games at home in the past two seasons.

Be on Everton to win 1-0 at 5/1

Liverpool aside, and Everton look as strong at home as ever and they also have a real presence going forward thanks to loan signing Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian has seven goals in seven Premier League games and his physical and direct style of play has caused problems to all types of defence.

He’s scored against Newcastle and West Ham but also sterner defences like Man City and Liverpool and the 20-year-old is Evens to score once again, as well as 4/1 to get the first goal.

That’s worth considering as three of his seven goals have been the first of the match.

Bet on Romelu Lukaku to score first at 4/1

Everton are unbeaten at home in their last 15 league games however five of those have been draws and a case can be made for Stoke claiming something out of the game.

Mark Hughes’ side took a point from Swansea – albeit via a contentious late penalty – and they have drawn four of their 12 Premier League matches this season.

The draw is 11/4 and the visitors’ chance lies with midfielder Steven N’Zonzi.

Bet on Everton to win by one goal at 12/5

The South African is more known for his energetic and combative midfield style however he has actually created 15 chances this season, more than any other Stoke player.

If he has another strong game then Stoke will be hard to beat and the best bet of the game might be Everton to win by one goal.

Priced at 12/5 on the handicap match market, the bet would have collected in all three of Everton’s home wins this season and in four of Stoke’s five defeats.

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Everton to win by one goal at 12/5