Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
In desperate need to close the gap on the top four, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side will welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, after battling back from behind to take points off of both Newcastle and Chelsea, many would have thought Jose Mourinho’s side had finally found their feet. However, heavily outclassed by Juventus in Tuesday’s Champions League tie, the pressure still remains on the Red’s Portuguese boss and United have now managed to pick up just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions. Picking up just 14 points out of a possible 27, Mourinho’s side find themselves sat 10th in the Premier League table. Enduring their worst start in over three decades, it has been their defensive issues that have been United’s biggest downfall this season. Despite keeping seven clean sheets at this point last year, they have recorded just one in their opening nine games and another defeat on Sunday would see them break another unwanted record. A loss against the Toffees would be United’s fourth in their opening 10 league games – that last happened in 1990.
Team News
Manchester United could welcome back midfielder Jesse Lingard following a month out with a groin problem.
There may also be a return for Scott McTominay, who was injured earlier this month on Scotland duty, but Marouane Fellaini and Alexis Sanchez remain out.
Everton
As for the visitors, while picking up just one win in their opening six Premier League games would have had many Everton fans worried, Marco Silva’s new look side appears to be taking shape. With Barcelona duo Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes recovering from injuries, the Toffees will have their sights set on securing a return to Europe. Scoring two late goals to pick up a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, the Blues are now enjoying a three-match winning run in England’s top tier. Another win on Sunday would mean Everton are enjoying their most successful spell over the past 24-months. With United struggling particularly with set pieces, Everton will be looking to exploit that. They have scored an unrivalled six headed goals in the Premier League this season. With Iceland captain Gylfi Sigurðsson now scoring three in his last three, it will be in the final third where the Toffes are impressing Silva the most. Everton have scored an unrivalled six headed goals in the Premier League this season.
Team News
Everton have no new injury concerns, with Colombia international Yerry Mina available to make his debut in defence.
Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are pushing for recalls after scoring in the win over Crystal Palace.
Key Factors to Consider
- Manchester United’s 35 wins in this fixture is a Premier League record by a club against a single opponent.
- Everton are winless in seven meetings in all competitions since a 3-0 Premier League home win in 2015 (D2, L5).
- The Red Devils could win three consecutive league matches against the Toffees for the first time in 11 years.
- Everton have won just two of their 26 Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford, drawing five and losing 19.
- Manchester United have kept one clean sheet from their opening nine Premier League games, compared to seven at this stage last season.
Conclusion
While Mourinho’s men should be boosted by their recent record against the Toffees, it is hard to overlook United’s troubled start to the season, particularly defensively. While Everton will struggle to come away from Old Trafford with a clean sheet, Silva’s men should be confident of adding to United’s woes on Sunday. With the Reds’ last five Premier League matches ending with both teams finding the net, we’re backing for a similar outcome this weekend.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
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