Premier League: Endangered Everton Host Inconsistent United at Goodison Park

Everton vs Manchester United

Everton are faced with a daunting challenge of avoiding yet another Premier League defeat when they’ll host Manchester United in their next home fixture. The Toffees still have their one foot near the drop zone just like before as they’re at 17^th with 25 points.

On the other hand, Manchester United would like to get more points in order to boost their Top 4 bid. The Red Devils looked inconsistent in their last few games, which is why they’ve fallen to seventh place with 51 points.

When these two sides last met in October, both were under different managers. But a lot has changed since then and the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds predict a whole different outcome this weekend.

 

Talking Points

Frank Lampard on the hot seat for Everton

Everton fans are calling for Frank Lampard’s head after suffering another losing streak. After winning 1-0 against Newcastle last mid-March, the Toffees are in a dangerous position once more with back-to-back losses against West Ham United and Burnley.

The former England international was brought on to replace Rafa Benitez at the end of January. However, Everton have since lost six of his eight league games in charge, which further exacerbates their big problems on and off the pitch.

The Toffees haven’t been relegated since 1951 and doing so would be a major disaster for the Merseyside club considering how much they’ve spent on their players these last few years.

Starting this weekend, Everton have nine games left to salvage their English top-flight status and their schedule doesn’t look kindly on them as they still have to face Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal after Manchester United.

Everton have been particularly vulnerable at the midfield and at the back as they’ve been hit by injuries and Frank Lampard is hopeful that he’ll have a bigger squad to choose from for his starting XI.

Fabian Delph and Seamus Coleman are both expected to return after being sidelined these past few weeks, but Everton will still be without the likes of Yerry Mina, Andros Townsend, and Donny van de Beek.

Manchester United expected to have CR7 back

It’s no coincidence that the Red Devils struggle to create Premier League 2022 highlights whenever Cristiano Ronaldo is sidelined. The 37-year-old was absent last week due to a non-COVID illness – resulting to an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Leicester City.

Ronaldo is back in training ahead of this Saturday and he is highly motivated to perform well for this upcoming game. Despite winning his third United Player of the Month award recently, his future with the club was put into question by his former United teammate Wayne Rooney during his latest appearance in Sky Sports.

In the said interview, Rooney believed that the Red Devils are better off with “young, hungry players” moving forward and that Ronaldo’s return hasn’t worked out so far since he’s no longer in his prime.

These comments should light a fire under Ronaldo and we expect nothing less from him, especially against a vulnerable Everton team.

History

This Saturday’s match between Everton and Manchester United will have some historic significance particularly for the Red Devils. It’ll be the 100^th game they’ve played the Toffees at Goodison Park, which has been their home since 1892.

Manchester United have had Everton’s number as they’ve only lost once in their last 13 Premier League games (W6, D6). The Red Devils won this exact fixture 3-1 last season, and they’re poised to win their second consecutive away league game against the Toffees for the first time since 2007.

Overall, Manchester United have won 37 league games against Everton – which is the second-most against any other English top-flight side.

Everton and Manchester United had a 1-1 draw in their reverse fixture last October where Anthony Martial and Andros Townsend scored one goal each. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rafa Benitez were both at the helm back then.

Betting Tip

Since Manchester United are in better form, they are unsurprisingly favoured by the Premier League 2022 odds. The Red Devils are priced to win at 1.77, while an Everton victory is at 4.50 and chances for a draw are at 3.55 in the 1X2 market.

In terms of which alternative bet is worth considering, we’re inclined to go for Under 2.75 @ 1.78 given what happened in their reverse fixture and since neither are lacking in the final third lately.

With time running out for Manchester United to re-enter the Top 4, look for them to leave no stone unturned as they’re expected to take all three points on the road.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.