Prediction: Everton vs Manchester United

Prediction: Everton win

Best Odds: 49/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Christmas is almost upon us and while the Premier League isn’t set to return until Boxing Day, that doesn’t mean we won’t be getting a handful of entertaining games over the course of the week. The main focal point is going to be the Carabao Cup with arguably the most intriguing of the four quarter-finals being Everton vs Manchester United. The two juggernauts of English football will meet at Goodison Park on Wednesday, knowing that a win takes them to within two victories of silverware.

Everton

After going through a shaky spell a few weeks back, Carlo Ancelotti has been able to steady the ship with Everton once again looking like a team that is capable of challenging for the top four. Whether or not they can sustain that forward momentum is a question that everyone wants to know the answer to, but based on their squad alone, there are plenty of reasons for Toffees fans to feel excited as we look ahead to 2021.

Team News

Gomes is a doubt with a hamstring problem while Ancelotti is hoping that Rodriguez will be fit enough to feature after missing Everton’s last three games. Elsewhere, Coleman will likely continue his recovery with a place in the starting XI, whereas Digne, Delph, Allan and Gbamin have all been ruled out.

Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has looked adversity in the eye in recent months with many believing he wouldn’t last until the end of the year. Now, Manchester United find themselves in a strong position in the Premier League, and their momentum could also do wonders for their Carabao Cup hopes. They’ll have to work incredibly hard if they want to maintain this consistency throughout the rest of the campaign, but with the festive season being upon us, the Red Devils certainly have cause for cautious optimism.

Team News

Shaw is a fitness doubt after coming off in the win against Leeds with the other main concern being McTominay after he picked up a groin injury. In terms of confirmed absences, Rojo is the only man who is definitely still on the shelf.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in November, Man United beat Everton 3-1.
• Everton have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Man United have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Everton have scored nine goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Man United have scored 15 goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.

Conclusion

We do expect this to be a really competitive game and when push comes to shove, it’s going to come down to who wants it more. United are going really well in the Premier League right now and while they aren’t exactly going to take their eye off of the ball for this game, Everton fans are desperate for silverware, and this competition offers them a realistic route to achieving that. We’re backing them to come out of this win an entertaining 2-1 or 3-2 victory.

Prediction: Everton win

Best Odds: 49/20

Bookmaker: 888sport