Ruzomberok vs Everton - Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round 2nd leg Preview and Odds

Published on: 03/08/2017

Ruzomberok vs Everton - Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round 2nd leg Preview and Odds

August 03, 2017 19:45pm - Stadion pod Cebratom

- Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round 2nd leg

Slovakian minnows Ruzomberok will look to cause an upset by overturning a one goal deficit to Premier League side Everton in the Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round 2nd leg on Thursday night.

The English club have been busy in the transfer market and will be that their new-look team can look forward to a European campaign that extends beyond the qualifying stages. Ronald Koeman`s men left it late to secure a lead in the first leg and still have plenty of work to do against a side that was not even expected to make it this far in the tournament. The action will take place in a stadium that holds less than 5,000 people.

With no Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley looking all set to leave, it remains to be seen whether the Toffees will actually be any stronger than last season. The lack of serious goal threat was certainly evident in the first leg. Of the newcomers who have featured so far, Davy Klaasen has been the most impressive and was one of the standout performers from the first leg.

The Merseyside club do not have much European experience to draw upon although they did make it to the Round of 16 in this event back in 2015.

Meanwhile, Ruzomberok are already enjoying their best ever European campaign, having knocked out Vojvodina and Brann on their way to their first appearance in the third qualifying round. They will start as underdogs but could cause a few problems for the visitors who will be unaccustomed to the humble surroundings of the Stadion pod Cebratom.

If the first leg is anything to go by, we should not expect too much entertainment here. The team from Goodison Park often struggle to score on the road, while the hosts have not let in more than one goal at home in their five previous Europa League ties.

Recent form (all competitions)

Ruzomberok: WLLWL

Everton: WDWWL

Betting odds and tips

This should be an intriguing game and much will depend on the attitude of the hosts. Will they keep things tight and hope to sneak a leveller on the break or will they go on the offensive and try gain the aggregate win in 90 minutes. Either way, it looks as if goals might be hard to come by for both sides in this game so the 19/20 price for both teams to score looks like good value.

You can back Under 2.5 Goals at 19/20 with Bet365

By Neil Morris