Prediction: Everton vs Manchester United

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to cause an upset at Goodison Park and extend on their eye-catching run of form this weekend, Everton will host Manchester United on Sunday night.

Everton

Starting with the hosts, marking their return from the international break with another eye-catching display, Everton appear to find the mood in their camp at a real high. Eventually mounting a comeback away at Southampton last weekend as they snatched a 2-1 victory, Frank Lampard has seen his side gain plenty of praise over recent weeks. Heading into September’s interval with a 1-0 win at home against European outfit West Ham, the former Chelsea boss could be smelling the chance to spring a real upset on Sunday night. While the Blues might have only just clung to their Premier League status last season, Everton are now enjoying a six-match top-flight unbeaten run. With just their goal difference keeping them outside the top-half of the table, it should also be noted that Lampard’s side picked up a 1-0 win when they last welcomed Manchester United to Goodison Park back on April 9th.

Team News

Everton have confirmed that the defensive quartet of Ben Godfrey, Nathan Patterson, Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina will once again miss out on Sunday night.

However, in what could be a real boost to Lampard’s side this weekend, attacking talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin could feature here. Likewise, coming off the bench away at Southampton last week, ex-Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure could be in line for a full recall.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have managed to snatch a much-needed European victory on the road in midweek, Erik ten Hag will be hoping for his side to find some stability. Eventually grabbing an action-packed 3-2 win away at Cypriot outfit Omonia on Thursday evening, the former Ajax boss could have a headache over his side’s recent issues at the back. Marking their return from September’s international break with a nightmare display as they were hit with a 6-3 defeat away at defending champions Manchester City, the Reds could face another tough test here. However, once again impressing on Europa League duties earlier in the week, ten Hag will be calling on Anthony Martial to spearhead United’s charge here. Including a late brace away at the Etihad last weekend, the French international has now notched three goals in his back-to-back appearances.

Team News

Bagging a brace away at Omonia on Thursday night and continuing to impress this season, Marcus Rashford should join Martial in attack at Goodison Park.

However, drawing a blank on Europa League duties earlier in the week, Cristiano Ronaldo should once again find himself among the substitutes here. England international Luke Shaw could replace Tyrell Malacia at left-back on Sunday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off on April 9th, Everton picked up a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park.
• Likewise, Sunday’s hosts have lost just one of their previous four meetings against the former Premier League champions.
• Manchester United have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their last five matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, the Red Devils have now shipped eight goals in their back-to-back appearances over the past week.
• Marcus Rashford has scored five goals in his previous six matchups across all competitions.

Conclusion

While Manchester United might be tipped as a standout pick with the bookmakers here, the Red Devils could face a stern test on Sunday night. Marking their return from September’s international break with a 6-3 hammering away at local rivals Manchester City, ten Hag’s men have shown some extended issues at the back. Likewise, suffering a 1-0 loss when they last made the trip to Goodison Park on April 9th, Lampard’s high-flying squad could be smelling the chance to spring an upset here. Now clinching back-to-back Premier League victories against Southampton and West Ham, Sunday’s hosts are also enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run across all formats. In what could be an enjoyable affair this weekend, we’re backing chances to come at both ends of the pitch.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet