Prediction: Manchester United vs Everton

Verdict: Manchester United to score first goal – yes

Best Odds: 2/9

Bookmaker: bet365

Manchester United sit at the top of the English Premier League standings, and will look to extend their positive run of results in the current term when they host Everton at Old Trafford this Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled at 4 PM BST, and Andre Marriner will be the referee.

Manchester United

There is no question Manchester United have started the season on a positive note. Even though they are coming off a 2-2 draw against Stoke City at Britannia Stadium, Jose Mourinho’s men remain at the top of the standings with 10 points in four matches. It seems the Portuguese tactician has finally found the winning formula, and the results back him up. And if we add the UEFA Champions League into the mix, then we can see they have been quite dominant at home. The Red Devils have won their three home fixtures in the current term, and are yet to concede at Old Trafford during that span. Playing Everton will be different than the rest of the games this season, however, as this will be the first time Wayne Rooney returns to Old Trafford following his departure from the club this summer. But United are on top form at the moment, and a win would secure them the top of the standings for one more week at least.

Team News

The Red Devils will not have Paul Pogba, as the dynamic midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during the UCL match against FC Basel this past Tuesday. The France international could be out until late October, according to recent reports.

Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will remain out as well, and neither should be available before November at the earliest. Luke Shaw, on the other hand, recovered from his injury and will be available for selection.

Everton

If Manchester United have been dominant and consistent, unfortunately we would have to say the opposite about Everton. Despite the fact that The Toffees were one of the most active teams in the transfer market this summer, the results haven’t been there for Ronald Koeman’s men. Everton only have four points after four EPL matches this season, and their current form shouldn’t give fans many hopes. They are riding a three-game losing streak across all competitions, have not scored a single goal over that span, and suffered a massive defeat against Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League this past Thursday. There is enough talent on the squad to turn things around, but right now Everton do not scare anyone. And they need to improve massively if they want to contend for a European berth during the final weeks of the campaign. Time is on their side, but they need to recover soon before it’s too late.

Team News

Everton are set to be without long-term absentees Ramiro Funes Mori, Seamus Coleman and Yannick Bolasie.

Meanwhile, midfielders Ross Barkley (hamstring) and James McCarthy (knee) are likely to be out as well.

Key Factors to Consider

• Manchester United are undefeated at home this season, notching three wins in three games across all competitions.
• Everton are coming off three straight losses across all competitions, and have not scored a single goal during that streak.
• This will be the first time Wayne Rooney visits Old Trafford after leaving the club during the summer.
• The two meetings between both clubs last season ended with 1-1 draws.
• The all-time record, however, gives Manchester United the edge. The Red Devils have 85 wins, 44 draws and 66 defeats in 195 meetings across all competitions.

Conclusion

Both clubs are going through opposite streaks. While Manchester United have won their three home games this season, Everton are riding a three-game losing streak. And morale seems like a key factor here. Manchester United should won rather comfortably, and are likely to score the first goal of the game as well.

Verdict: Manchester United to score first goal – yes

Best Odds: 2/9

Bookmaker: bet365