2023-24 Premier League: Week 28 – Manchester United vs Everton

Manchester United continue their top-four push against relegation-battling Everton at Old Trafford.

Victory would see Man Utd stay sixth and move to within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham, whilst Everton can move up to 14th with a win.

 

Team News

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Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford are doubts for Man Utd after the pair suffered knocks in the Red Devils’ defeat at Manchester City.

Rasmus Højlund (muscle), Harry Maguire (unspecified) and Aaron Wan Bissaka (knock) are doubts but Luke Shaw (muscle), Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia (both knee), Mason Mount (calf) and Anthony Martial (groin) remain sidelined.

Everton could be without Idrissa Gueye as he nears a return from a groin injury but the midfielder could face a late fitness test.

Arnaut Danjuma (ankle) and Dele Alli (groin) remain sidelined.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Man Utd host Everton at Old Trafford at 12:30pm GMT on Saturday 9 March, live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack 

  • Man Utd have lost one of their last six league meetings against Everton (W3, D2, L1).
  • Everton are winless in their last nine league visits to Man Utd (D4, L5).
  • Anthony Martial has scored in each of Utd’s last two league meetings against Everton (W2).
  • Utd have kept one clean sheet in three league matches at home in 2024 (W1, D1, L1).
  • Everton have scored one goal in three league matches on the road in 2024 (D2, L1).

 

Prediction

Despite suffering defeat at Man City, Utd always knew victory was a difficult ask but they did well on the counter-attack and arguably could of been more clinical in the first half, especially when City were sloppy and wasteful but they were ultimately punished for taking the advantage come the second half.

Erik Ten Hag though knows that Utd can bounce back if they play with more composure because this is a winnable game given their home form against Everton, which is realistically a must-win if want to stay in the top-four chase.

Sean Dyche’s Everton meanwhile are a resilient defensive team who should make life difficult for Utd if can focus on their game plan and play clinically on the counter-attack, whilst avoiding a late defensive meltdown as saw against West Ham last weekend.

I however do expect United to get a routine win but patience could well be key because Everton certainly won’t be easy to break down.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Everton

Result: Manchester United 2-0 Everton

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