Verdict: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 3/5
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, eventually clinging to what was a dramatic 3-2 victory against Bodo/Glimt earlier in the week, Manchester United will be hoping for a more dominant display here. Getting Ruben Amorim’s tenure underway with a collapse at Portman Road last weekend as they marked their return from November’s international break with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, the former Sporting Lisbon boss is looking to put a maiden Premier League win on the board. Although the Reds might have shown some glaring inconstancies this season, they are enjoying what has become a real flurry at Old Trafford. Heading into November’s fortnight break with a routine 3-0 romp against Leicester, United are unbeaten in all of their last six showdowns in the red half of Manchester. Landing a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Everton to Old Trafford for their most recent battle back in March, Amorim will be hoping for a repeat outcome here.
Team News
While Leny Yoro might be inching towards a Manchester United debut, the former Lille defender still remains on the sidelines and will not feature here. Likewise, not making a single appearance since the start of October, England international Harry Maguire remains a major doubt.
Bagging a Europa League brace at Old Trafford on Thursday night, Rasmus Hojlund will be hoping to keep his spot leading the line. Returning to Amorim’s squad earlier in the week, midfield starlet Kobbie Mainoo could make a first appearance since October 6th here.
Everton
As for the visitors, putting in another toothless performance last weekend as they marked their return from November’s international break with a 0-0 stalemate at home against Brentford, Everton once again find themselves scrapping it out at the foot of the table. With the pressure on Sean Dyche’s shoulders starting to boil, the Toffees have won just a pair of their first 12 Premier League appearances. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the relegation zone, the former Burnley boss will also have a mounting headache over his side’s extended issues in the final third. Opening November with a worrying 1-0 loss at the hands of fellow strugglers Southampton, Sunday’s guests have failed to find the net in any of their last three showdowns.
Team News
Yet to make a single appearance since the end of August and still dealing with a thigh injury, Everton will once again be without veteran defender Seamus Coleman here. Likewise, former Manchester United youngster James Garner will also miss out at Old Trafford this weekend.
While Dominic Calvert-Lewin might have failed to find the net in any of his previous eight appearances, the England international will shoulder most of Everton’s goalscoring threat. Heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the summer, Jarrad Branthwaite will parter James Tarkowski at the back.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester United and Everton last met back on March 9th, the Red Devils collected a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
- Man United have won each of their last five meetings against Sunday’s guests by an aggregate score of 12-2.
- Everton have failed to collect a single victory at Old Trafford since way back in December 2013.
- The Toffees have failed to find the net in any of their last three consecutive Premier League appearances.
- Manchester United are unbeaten in all of their last six showdowns at Old Trafford (five wins, one draw).
Conclusion
Eventually dragging themselves to what was a pulsating 3-2 victory against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night, Manchester United will be hoping for a more routine battle at Old Trafford. Enjoying what has been a rebel flurry on home soil, Amorim’s new squad should be smelling a real opportunity here. Landing a 2-0 win when they last welcomed Everton to town back in March, Sunday’s hosts hold what is a dominant record against the relegation scrappers. Winning each of their previous 12 meetings by an aggregate score of 12-2, we are backing Amorim to get a maiden Premier League victory on the board.
Verdict: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 3/5
