Man Utd v Everton – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Everton The Red Devils have lost successive league matches but face a Toffees side who are winless in ten league fixtures. United won 3-0 in the reverse fixture in November.

Man Utd Form

Erik Ten Hag’s side have lost their last two league matches. Prior to that, they were on a run of six wins in seven matches. They had narrow wins at Aston Villa and at Luton (both 2-1) before losing in the dying moments at home to Fulham, also 2-1.

United bounced back from the loss to the Cottagers to win 1-0 at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. A late goal saw them progress to the quarter-finals. Going into the Manchester derby, their six previous matches had seen 116 shots allowed to opponents. They lost 3-1 to Man City on Sunday in a one-sided affair where they were outshot 27-3.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag still has a makeshift defence due to injuries. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinex, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are set to play no part, but Harry Maguire has a chance of being fit to play. Jonny Evans took a knock against Man City and needs a late check.

In attack, Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, and Rasmus Hojlund are set to play no part. The latter is close to a return though. Marcus Rashford is a slight doubt after an injury in the derby. One of Antony or Amad Diallo could come into the XI down the right.

Man Utd Motivation

Nothing but a win will do here if they hope to finish in the top five places.

After two losses, they need a response. More dropped points at home would be a big negative considering the recent ownership changes.

Everton Form

Sean Dyche’s side have just one victory in their last 14 fixtures. They’re without a win in ten league matches. A 2-1 home loss to Luton preceded successive draws including a late goal to draw 2-2 at home to Tottenham. A 2-0 home loss at Man City saw them fight hard but concede twice in the second half.

An 84th-minute goal rescued a 1-1 home draw vs Crystal Palace. Everton then conceded very late vs ten men to draw 1-1 at Brighton and drop two points. Their last match saw a 1-0 lead thrown away in a 3-1 home loss to West Ham. The Toffees leaked three goals in the final half an hour.

Everton Team News

Two players are ruled out Dele Alli and Arnaut Danjuma. Idrissa Gana Gueye will need a late fitness test to determine his availability.

Beto scored in the last match and may start up front in preference to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Ashley Young may come in as a defensive winger whilst Nathan Patterson could replace Ben Godfrey at right back.

Everton Motivation

The Toffees won’t care about possession here. Expect them to sit deep and absorb pressure.

Doucoure and McNeil will lead counters with their ball-carrying ability. A point would be seen as an excellent result.

Key Stats

Man Utd have scored 2+ goals in 8 of their last 12 matches

Man Utd have won 4 of their last 6 EPL matches

Man Utd have won their last 4 matches vs Everton, scoring 10 goals

Everton are winless in 10 league matches (five losses, five draws)

Everton have drawn 4 of their last 6 matches

Verdict

A close match is tipped here. Everton can frustrate the Red Devils, but the hosts should just about have enough to win by a one-goal margin.