Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Have Manchester United finally broken through their slump? The signs are certainly looking good after two brilliant victories over Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. Their star player Marcus Rashford has shone even brighter than usual, while the rest of the squad have upped their game to prove themselves much more than a one man show.
Across the field from them stands Everton, who will no doubt be disappointed that their showdown in Manchester comes just as United have found some consistency. Still, Everton have their own reason to be confident. Their first game with caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson saw them topple the mighty Chelsea in a dominant 3-1 display. Keep in mind that Chelsea are higher in the standings than Manchester United, meaning another upset here is very much a possibility.
Manchester United vs Everton Prediction: Man United 2-1 Everton
With both teams enjoying recent victories over some truly huge names, each has proven their ability to topple Premier League juggernauts. However, while both appear to be at the beginning of an upswing, United’s improvements have had more time to mature than Everton, who may not have yet worked out how to turn an upset into a winning formula. The Toffees have it in them to take down another big side, for sure, but we think they may just be a little too early in their development to manage it here. With that in mind, our scoreline prediction is 2-1 to Manchester United.
Our recommended tip: Both teams score
While we aren’t convinced Everton have what it takes to emerge victorious here, they rarely go down without a fight, and indeed, without tasting the back of the net. In losses to the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham, they at least managed to fire back with one of their own, meaning they are more than capable of doing so here. Similarly, while Manchester United have improved, their defensive issues remain. In fact, the last time they emerged with a clean sheet in the Premier League was against Leicester in September. Considering we still think they’ll win, both teams scoring is the only logical conclusion. Paddy Power offer good 13/20 odds on this prediction.
Previous matches
Aside from their recent win against Chelsea, Everton have one other big reason to feel confident heading into this match and that’s their devastating 4-0 win from back in April. The fact that United remain favourites here showcases just how great their development has been since then, but it will surely play to Everton’s psychological advantage. Before that though, there’s no doubting that Manchester is the dominant side in their recent history, winning six of their last eight matches, with the other two being a draw.
Top 3 Premier League Bookies
Players to watch: Marcus Rashford & Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Manchester United: Marcus Rashford
We know it’s the obvious choice but we really can’t go with anyone else. Manchester United’s revitalisation has been a team effort, no doubt, but there’s little argument over who is spearheading their climb up the table. Marcus Rashford has been absolutely sensational this season, through the good and the bad, and is a force to be reckoned with by any and all teams in the Premier League.
Everton: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Similarly, we only had one man in mind for our player to watch for Everton. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the stand-out player in Everton’s brilliant victory over Chelsea, scoring twice for the first time since October 2015. He proved that the Toffees do indeed have hidden depths and talents: something they’ll need to show more of if they want to once again shock the Manchester United faithful.
