Manchester United vs Everton: A Crucial Clash

Manchester United host Everton this weekend, in a match that will have an impact on both ends of the table. This is an opportunity for the home side to put pressure on Aston Villa and Tottenham. Those two teams meet each other this weekend, therefore there will be a chance to close the gap on at least one of them. For Everton, their recent success in reducing their points deduction has bought breathing room, but their attacking woes mean that survival is far from guaranteed. Sean Dyche will hope that his team can exploit the frailties in United.

Manchester United’s Challenge

It has been a difficult last two weeks for Manchester United, as they had previously threatened to launch a serious challenge for the Champions League places. However, successive league defeats have stunted their progress. They need to get back to winning ways and this is a good opportunity to record three points. Everton haven’t won in their last ten Premier League matches. A failure to win will be damaging for Erik ten Hag.

Everton’s Position

Everton are now five points above the relegation zone, but more importantly there is now another team between them and the bottom three. They have moved above Nottingham Forest and like the Toffees, they are under threat of facing a points deduction before the season ends. The focus will be finishing above Forest, as if they manage that, a further points deduction may not be fatal. However, the league form is a huge concern. Dyche’s team played well at home last weekend, but still lost 3-1. Losing when you play well is a worrying sign.

Interesting Stats

• Manchester United have won the last three Premier League matches against Everton.
• Everton have only won once in their last 30 Premier League matches at Old Trafford.

Key Men

Marcus Rashford

There was a wonder strike last weekend to open the scoring, but Marcus Rashford was still inconsistent in his end product. A few promising attacks broke down when the England international made the wrong decision. There is still fluency lacking in Rashford’s game and he is struggling to find his best form. With a European Championships on the horizon, it is important that he does start to show consistency as the competition for places is intense.

There are a number of attackers on the fringes who will be pushing for inclusion and it will be difficult for Gareth Southgate to select Rashford unless he improves. This season, he has six goals and two assists. That is a significant drop from last season when he scored 17 times in the Premier League. Rashford needs a strong finish to the campaign to ensure he remains a pivotal player for club and country.

Abdoulaye Doucoure

The attacking issues Everton are facing are continuing, with neither Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto managing to find the back of the net regularly. Abdoulaye Doucoure is the club’s current top scorer in the league with six and he has a knack of scoring important goals.

His late runs into the penalty area could play a part this weekend, as Manchester United are still conceding chances at a healthy rate. The midfielder is cool in front of goal and does offer a threat. He is never going to score double figures regularly, but at the moment, he is valuable to a struggling Toffees’ attack.

Team News

Jonny Evans, Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire are all struggling with knocks, but they are expected to be available for this match. Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia are all expected back this month. Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out until April, while Luke Shaw may not be seen again this season.

Idrissa Gueye could be involved this weekend after his groin injury. Arnaut Danjuma won’t be back until later in the month.

Verdict

This is a tough match on paper for Manchester United, as Everton are a tough team to break down and they do create chances. At some point, their chances will start to go in. Despite poor results, Everton have a good system and they are well coached. United have been criticised for their lack of defined playing style this season, so Dyche will be hoping that his team can take advantage. This one could end in a draw.

Final Score Prediction

Manchester United 1-1 Everton