The final game of Sunday’s Premier League double-header sees Everton take on Manchester United at Goodison Park. This match kicks off at 4:30pm UK time.
Everton
Everton received a points deduction during the international break for breaching financial fair play rules and it has catapulted them straight back into a relegation battle. The Toffees had worked hard to get themselves out of the mire, however, Sean Dyche’s side must do it all again. Some have suggested that the deduction is likely to galvanise the squad and should give them something to fight against collectively.
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Get it & Bet It Now!Everton’s deduction has given the other struggling sides a little bit of optimism, however, very few of them are performing as effectively as the Toffees.
The hosts have lost just one of their last five Premier League matches and that came against neighbours Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. Last time out, they battled their way to a 3-2 victory with a late Idrissa Gueye goal giving them all three points against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Curiously, their away form has been far stronger than their home form this season, nevertheless, they are unbeaten in their last two matches here (vs Brighton and Bournemouth).
Everton’s issue remains up front with Dyche’s men lacking an potency in the final third. Although Dominic Calvert-Lewin has just three goals to his name so far this season, his contribution is absolutely vital. Other players have chipped in recently with the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Vitali Mykolenlo having also found their shooting boots.
Manchester United
Manchester United’s struggles have been well-documented in recent weeks, however, their form is actually better than any other Premier League outfit. The Red Devils have won four of their last five, although whether any of those victories have been completely convincing is up for debate. Erik Ten Haag has relieved the pressure on himself, however, the club’s form in the Champions League and ability to pick up results against the division’s better sides is still a source of great frustration for the majority of fans.
The visitors are yet to beat any top-half side this season and their three away victories have all come against bottom six opposition. Although Everton will provide a similar level of opposition positionally, they are far better form than the likes of Sheffield United, Fulham and Burnley.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have taken over the club during the international break, however, their problems going forward are unlikely to change anytime soon. With the out-of-form Marcus Rashford struggling for goals and Rasmus Hojlund having yet to strike in the top flight, they will need to find goals from elsewhere.
At the back, United have been fairly solid although Luke Shaw has now returned to training and could be pushing for a start here. Neighbours Man City are the only side to have scoeed 2+ goals against them since mid-September, although as we’ve already outlined, the level of opposition hasn’t been too testing.
Head to Head
Man United dominated this fixture last season winning in all three meetings. They were 2-1 winners at Goodison Park in October 2022 before also triumphing in the FA Cup at the beginning of 2023. They completed the treble with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Old Trafford at the beginning of April.
Everton has enjoyed fewer triumphs than their opponents, although they did beat the Red Devils in April 2022 with Anthony Gordon’s strike enough to secure all three points. Their previous home victory cane back in April 2019 with the hosts running out comfortable 4-0 winners.
Key Betting Stats
- Only three of Manchester United’s last seven matches have featured more than a single goal
- None of United’s last seven matches have featured more than three goals.
- Everton’s 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace was the first time that an Everton match has featured five or more goals this season
- Luton are the only opponents to have netted 2+ goals at Goodison Park so far this season
- 42% of the goals that Everton have conceded this season have come in the final 20 minutes.
- Dwight McNeil is averaging two shots per game this season, however, the former Burnley winger is yet to find the back of the net.
Match Prediction
United haven’t been properly tested on the road yet and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them drop points in this one. Everton have improved significantly in recent weeks and they now have a collective cause to fight against. Sean Dyche’s men might just be able to pull this off.
Winning Combo
Everton Win
6/4 with Betfair
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