Prediction: Manchester United vs Everton

Verdict: Manchester United win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to claim a much-needed Premier League boost on Saturday lunchtime, Manchester United will welcome Everton to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, suffering a dramatic collapse away at bitter local rivals Manchester City last weekend, Erik ten Hag’s men are desperate to claim a welcomed boost here. Suffering back-to-back Premier League defeats, it is no secret that the former Ajax boss has found continued speculation on his shoulders at Old Trafford. Eventually falling to a 3-1 loss at the Etihad last weekend, United are seeking a real miracle in their bid to punch another lucrative top-four finish come May. Facing what is a must-win showdown on Saturday lunchtime, ten Hag should have a headache over his side’s extended inconsistencies on home soil. Last seen at Old Trafford suffering a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fulham, the Red Devils have won just a pair of their previous six showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

While attacking talisman Rasmus Hojlund might have missed all of Manchester United’s last three appearances across all competitions, ten Hag’s side are hopeful that the Danish international can play some part here. However, still dealing with a stacked injury list at Old Trafford, Saturday’s hosts remain without the likes of Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount.

Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike at the Etihad last week, Marcus Rashford should spearhead United’s charge here. Swedish skipper Victor Lindelof should keep his spot at left-back.

Everton

As for the visitors, suffering their own respective collapse at Goodison Park last weekend, Everton find themselves at the heart of a public crisis. Eventually falling to a 3-1 loss at home against West Ham, the Toffees are facing another real battle to keep hold of their Premier League status. Still dealing with a host of financial issues behind the scenes, Sean Dyche has found some mounting pressure on his shoulders. In fact, the Blues have failed to muster a single victory from any of their previous 10 straight top-flight showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to October 16th. Likewise, crashing out of the FA Cup on January 27th following a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Luton, Everton should also be concerned by a nightmare record against Manchester United. It should be highlighted, Dyche’s men have lost all of their previous four meetings by an aggregate score of 10-2.

Team News

Missing out last week after sustaining a groin strain, Senegal international Idrissa Gueye remains a doubt on Saturday lunchtime. Likewise, still dealing with a recent ankle injury and not making a single appearance since January 30th, Villereall loanee Arnaut Danjuma is not expected to feature at Old Trafford.

Finding the net against West Ham last weekend and notching just a second Premier League strike, former Udinese striker Beto should keep his spot leading Dyche’s attack. Former Manchester United star Ashley Young could be handed a recall at Old Trafford here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester United and Everton met for their reverse Premier League meeting on November 26th, the Reds collected a 3-0 romp at Goodison Park.
• Manchester United have won all of their previous four meetings against Everton across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-2.
• However, ten Hag’s side have won just a pair of their previous six appearances at Old Trafford.
• Everton have failed to win any of their last 10 straight Premier League appearances – a run that stems all the way back to October 16th.
• The Blues have scored just a single goal in any of their previous five showdowns away from Old Trafford.

Conclusion

In the midst of another Premier League wobble, Manchester United will know the importance of claiming a much-needed boost here. However, storming their way to a 3-0 romp when they travelled to Goodison Park back on November 26th, ten Hag’s men will be excited by a stellar record against Saturday’s guests. Winning all of their previous four meetings across all formats by an aggregate score of 10-2, we are predicting a home victory this weekend.

Verdict: Manchester United win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster