Prediction: Everton vs Manchester United

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides looking for a real boost this weekend, Everton will welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

Everton

Starting with the hosts, while Everton might have shocked many across the Premier League after their remarkable start to the season, the Toffees are a side now seeking a bost. Struggling to match a similar level that they set prior to October’s international break, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have collected just a single point since returning to action last month. Watching their unbeaten start to the new campaign brought to an abrupt end thanks to a 2-0 defeat away at St. James’ Park, the former Napoli boss also saw his side slump to a sluggish 2-1 defeat against Newcastle last weekend. While the Blues would have been glad to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin add to his eye-catching start with another goal at St. James’ Park last time out, Everton have shown some extended issues at the back. Losing their spot at the top of the table, Saturday’s hosts have now conceded a pair of strikes in each of their last four Premier League contests on the bounce.

Team News

Missing their trip to St. James’ Park last weekend, Everton are hopeful that James Rodriguez will be back and available to feature on Saturday lunchtime.

Elsewhere, while Lucas Digne will be back after serving a suspension, Richarlison still remains out with his own suspension after picking up a straight red against Liverpool last month.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have managed to shock many across Europe with their 5-0 romp against RB Leipzig at Old Trafford last week, the former champions once again find themselves in the midst of a real rut. With many now believing that Head Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the verge of losing his spot in the dugout, the Reds were hit with a dreadful 2-1 defeat away at Turkish outfit Istanbul Basaksehir while on Champions League duties in midweek. Opening the weekend sat way down in 15th and enduring their worst domestic start since 2013, United could also still be reeling from what was a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal last weekend that saw them receive a string of criticism. Managing to win just one of their last four matchups across all competitions, it should also be noted that Solskjaer’s side have failed to win back-to-back trips to Goodison Park, a run highlighted by that famous 4-0 drumming back in 2019.

Team News

Returning from a three-match suspension, Manchester United will be able to call upon Anthony Martial when they travel to Goodison this weekend.

Elsewhere, both settling for a spot on the bench in midweek, both David de Gea and Victor Lindelof are expected for a recall to Solskjaer’s starting XI.

Key Factors to Consider

• Each of the last two matchups between Everton and Manchester United have finished by a score of 1-1.
• Everton have picked up just a single point from their three Premier League matchups since returning from October’s international break.
• Manchester United have managed to collect just seven points from their opening six appearances this season, their worst start since 2013.
• Saturday’s hosts have shipped over 1.5 goals in each of their last four Premier League matchups on the bounce.
• All six of Manchester United’s away fixtures across all formats s far this season have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

On paper, we could be in for a contest that sees a string of chances at both ends of the pitch this weekend. While Everton might have enjoyed a stunning start to the New Year, they are coming off the back of back-to-back Premier League defeats and have really shown some worrying issues at the back. Shipping another pair of goals in their 2-1 defeat against Newcastle last weekend, the Blues have shipped over 1.5 goals in each of their last four top-flight contests on the spin. With Manchester United also in the midst of their own defensive nightmare, we’re backing both teams to find the net at Goodison on Saturday lunchtime.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Unibet