Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Manchester United to Win
Odds: 21/10
Bookmaker: Betfair
Two of the contenders for the Premier League top four come together on Saturday evening as Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford.
Heading into the clash, eight points separate the two sides in the standings but with Carlo Ancelotti’s men possessing two games in hand on the Red Devils, it goes without saying how important this game could be in context of the race for UEFA Champions League football.
Manchester United
If there’s one way to bounce back from a couple of indifferent results and that is to secure a thumping victory. That’s exactly what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men did at home last time out against Southampton, becoming only the third side in Premier League history to score nine goals in a Premier League game. The result matched the Reds’ previous record 9-0 victory against Ipswich Town in 1995. The win itself also completely transformed the club’s fortunes on home soil. Having previously been relatively reserved at Old Trafford this season, netting just 13 goals in ten home matches, they are now the joint-highest scorers in home matches alongside in-form Manchester City. Speaking of the Sky Blues, the Red Devils will be aiming to keep them within their sights this weekend as they go up against reigning champions Liverpool. Should the Red Devils claim three points against Everton and results go their way, they could potentially reclaim top spot in the Premier League table.
Team News
One blow to Manchester United’s lineup could be Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani. The former Paris Saint Germain has started in three out of the last four Premier League games but was withdrawn at half-time against Southampton with an ankle injury. He will be subjected to a late fitness test ahead of the Everton clash but should he not be ready in time, will likely be replaced by Anthony Martial who scored twice against Southampton after his introduction from the bench. Meanwhile, centre-back Phil Jones remains on the sidelines.
Everton
Amongst their extremely impressive displays, there have been a few dodgy results for the Toffees this season – an aspect that has so far held them back in their pursuit of the top four. Already this campaign, the Merseysiders have lost six matches including defeats at the hands of Leeds United, Newcastle United and West Ham United. They did get back on track last time out though as they avenged the defeat to Leeds earlier in the season with a victory at Elland Road – the goals being provided by Gyfli Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The win in Yorkshire extended a hugely impressive away record in 2020/21. Only Manchester United and Leicester City have claimed more points on the road than Ancelotti’s troops this season, whilst they head into the game at Old Trafford with four consecutive away victories in the league. Everton have not managed to win five consecutive away league games in over 50 years.
Team News
Midfielders Allan and Jean-Philippe Gbamin remain out so will miss this game. However, the midfield three of Sigurdsson, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andre Gomes have played extremely well in recent weeks so the injuries will not worry Ancelotti too much. The only other absentee is Jordan Pickford who missed the game against Leeds with a rib injury. He will be replaced by Robin Olsen once again.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester United have a better all-time head-to-head record between the two teams (W90, D45, L70)
- The Red Devils have won both meetings between the two sides this season (3-1 in the Premier League, 2-0 in the Carabao Cup)
- Everton have not won at Old Trafford since a 1-0 success in December 2013
- Carlo Ancelotti has not won any of his last six matches against Manchester United as a manager, this after winning seven out of his first ten against the Red Devils in all competitions
- Everton have only lost one game in which they have taken the lead so far this season
Conclusion
This game is huge in context of European football and from a psychological standpoint, too. With the match at Anfield, a win in this fixture could certainly be a marker for each side. They are both in confident moods heading to Old Trafford so there could well be goals. Manchester United just have enough to edge this one though.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Manchester United to Win
Odds: 21/10
Bookmaker: Betfair
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