Confidence is low at Manchester United as they host Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday. Everton have won their last three matches in the English Premier League and can give the Red Devils a run for their money.
Manchester United
The Red Devils are coming off a 1-0 home defeat against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. Despite Paul Pogba going close with a shot off the post in the 75th minute, the Italian champions controlled the match and deserved the win.
Under pressure manager Jose Mourinho accepted his team had been second best, saying: “Juventus is a different level of quality, I have to be honest. A level of quality, stability, experience, know how. The base of the team they have Bonucci and Chiellini”.
It was another subtle dig at his defence that has conceded seven goals in their last three Premier League games. Manchester United are now 10th on the EPL table, have won only one of their last seven games which was a thrilling 3-2 home win against bottom club Newcastle United.
United were pipped at the post in their last EPL match, conceding a heartbreaking 95th equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea. Anthony Martial scored both goals and netted in each game against Everton last season.
Everton
The Toffees are in good form after winning their last three matches in the EPL. Everton have scored seven in those three with confidence returning to the side. They left it late to grab a 2-0 home win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Jordan Pickford saved a penalty to keep his side in the game, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Cenk Tosun coming off the bench with late goals to earn all three points in a 2-0 victory. The win lifted Everton to 8th on the EPL table after a slow start to the season.
Gylfi Sigurdsson is in good form with four goals in his last five games, Richarlison has four this season and recently scored two goals in a match for Brazil. Michael Keane has been impressive in central defence with consistent performances from Lucas Digne, Idrissa Gueye and Theo Walcott.
Head-to-Head
These clubs have a long and proud history, Manchester United edging the head to head 81-54 but have won more than 50% of the time at home.
The Red Devils won both contests in the EPL last season, a 2-0 win at Goodison Park and a 4-0 win at Old Trafford with Anthony Martial on target on each victory.
Team News
Romelu Lukaku has come under some criticism after failing to score in his last eight Manchester United appearances. With 14 goals in his last 15 games for Belgium, it simply doesn’t add up.
Marcos Rojo and Jesse Lingard are injured with doubts over Antonio Valencia, Alexis Sánchez, Marouane Fellaini, Scott McTominay, Diogo Dalot and Phil Jones.
Everton could keep their first choice starting XI intact after three straight wins in the Premier League. André Gomes made his Everton debut against Crystal Palace and Yerry Mina was an unused substitute.
Ademola Lookman, Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin came off the bench and had an impact to come into contention.
Key Statistics
- Manchester United have won 1 of their last 7 matches in all competitions.
- Manchester United have conceded 7 goals in their last 3 matches (Premier League).
- Everton have won their last 3 matches in the EPL.
- Everton have scored 7 goals in their last 3 matches (Premier League).
Verdict & Tips
Manchester United have had two disappointing results against two top quality sides in Juventus and Chelsea. With clouds currently hanging over Old Trafford, a confident Everton side will fancy their chances and capitalise on their good form.
The tipsters at Freetips.com believe a Toffees win might be worth a shout at long shot at odds of 5.50, and there is good value in the double chance market which means if Everton win or draw, the bet is a winner.
Tip: Everton Double Chance @ 2.30