Lille vs. Everton: Key Issues That Will Shape Europa League Game
Everton travel to Lille on Thursday night in one of the marquee ties of the Europa League Matchday 3.
Both sides are currently unbeaten in Group H. Everton defeated Wolfsburg 4-1 at home, before snatching a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw away in Krasnodar.
Lille also drew 1-1 with the Russian side and shared the same scoreline with Wolfsburg away in Germany.
This is the first meeting between these clubs and is Everton's first competitive tie against French opposition.
Here's a look ahead to some of the main factors set to shape this contest.
Everton's Success off the Ball
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Everton have managed to concede a mammoth 48 shots in their two European games so far.
To put that statistic into context, 48 shots is at least six more than any of the other 47 Europa League sides have conceded during their first two games of the group stage.
Some good goalkeeping from Tim Howard and some poor finishing from Wolfsburg and Krasnodar—as well as several long-range shots—have made this number almost redundant so far. However, it isn't a trend Roberto Martinez will want to see continue.
The Catalan must find a way of making his side far tougher to break down.
On tape, Lille will be encouraged by the sheer quantity of chances Everton have conceded thus far.
Lille's Defensive Solidity
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Most of Lille's recent success has been achieved thanks to a highly organised, uncompromising defence.
The French side conceded just 26 goals in their 38 Ligue 1 games last season, which stands as one of the best defensive records in Europe.
Across the continent's five major leagues—England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain—only four of the 98 teams (Juventus, Roma, PSG and Bayern Munich) conceded fewer goals.
At one stage, between September and December 2013, Lille also managed a remarkable run of 11 straight games without conceding.
That defensive strength has remained prominent this season. So far, just seven goals have been conceded in 10 league games, which already gives them the joint-best record in the division.
The defensive unit is led by Denmark international, Simon Kjaer. The centre-back struggled for consistency a few years ago but has found a new level of reliability as a Lille player.
Behind Kjaer, Vincent Enyeama lines up in goal and is another key player. The Nigerian stopper recorded 21 clean sheets last season, a tally no goalkeeper in Europe's top five divisions could better.
How Lille Suppress Leighton Baines
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In creative terms, Leighton Baines is currently at the very top of his game.
The England international has created 22 chances in the Premier League, making him the third-most creative player in the division.
He has also scored or assisted nine of his side's past 14 goals (in all competitions) and has two assists and a goal in his two Europa League games this season.
His passing and crossing can prove decisive and the visitors will regularly try to find him in the final third.
If Lille can reduce Baines' space and cut off his supply of passes, Everton will struggle to persistently create.
The Origi Factor
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Finally, an interesting subplot will be the role of Divock Origi.
The Belgium international made a strong impression at the World Cup, occasionally starting ahead of Everton's Romelu Lukaku.
Having signed for Liverpool in the summer, before committing to another year on loan at Lille, the attacker will want to make a big impression against his new club's major rivals.
He can still be erratic, but Origi has generally been one of Lille's leading players this season, scoring three of his side's eight goals in Ligue 1.
Expect the 19-year-old to drift in from a flank and take advantage of any space left behind the Toffees' attacking full-backs.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
