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Everton continued their impressive start to the campaign under Ronald Koeman by cruising to a 3-0 win over Sunderland on Monday night thanks to Romelu Lukaku’s return to form with an 11-minute hat-trick, his first goals for the club since March. They welcome a Middlesbrough side that have started brightly on their return to the top flight despite losing to Palace at home last weekend.
Everton have an impressive home record against promoted in recent years, even during Martinez’s tenure where they won four of six unbeaten matches. Going back further the Toffees have gone W9-D2-L1 since 2013/13. With confidence high we wouldn’t deter anyone from backing them to inflict a defeat on new-boys Middlesbrough at 1.7, given the north-east club had a modest W10-D6-L7 on the road in the Championship last term.
However, Boro have picked up four points from their first two away games this season and look a well organised side, although a trip to Goodison certainly represents a greater challenge than the fixtures at Sunderland and West Brom. The only time they’ve looked uncomfortable at the back this season was against Palace as they struggled to maintain Benteke’s power. They’ll be faced with a similar task against Lukaku, who has the likes of Barkley, Deulofeu, Mirallas and the impressive Bolasie feeding him. With this in mind 2.3 for the Belgian to net looks tempting.
Bet Bet: Lukaku to Score Anytime at 2.30
Match Specials
William Hill
