Everton will host Manchester United in what is expected to be a ferocious atmosphere at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Toffees have dropped into the relegation zone following a 10-point deduction over breaching the league’s financial rules, while United are currently five points off the top four in sixth.
Match Preview
Everton have been in the news since the huge 10-point penalty handed to them by the independent commission.
They are set to make an appeal but it looks unlikely that the commission’s decision will completely be overturned, although there is hope their punishment could be reduced.
On the field, Sean Dyche’s side have been impressive in the last couple of months. They have lost only once in their previous five league encounters, and that came back in October against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
Sean Dyche’s men headed into the international break on a positive note after outclassing Crystal Palace 3-2.
Eberechi Eze quickly levelled the scores after Vitaliy Mykolenko scored within the first minute of the game.
When Abdoulaye Doucoure restored their advantage early in the second-half, the Eagles once again responded with a goal through Odsonne Edouard.
However, the Toffees had the last laugh at Selhurst Park as Idrissa Gueye popped up with a late winner.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are one of the form teams in the English top-flight, despite being criticised for their poor on-field displays.
The Red Devils’ 1-0 victory over Luton Town before the international break was their fourth from the last five Premier League matches.
Victor Lindelof scored the decisive goal that moved United to sixth in the standings.
However, Erik ten Hag’s side are out of the EFL Cup while their chances of qualifying for the Champions League knockouts is also very slim following their 4-3 defeat at FC Copenhagen.
Team News
Everton received a big blow during the international break as star midfielder Amadou Onana was forced to leave the Belgium camp with a calf problem. He is unlikely to be in contention for Sunday’s clash, while Andre Gomes and Dele Alli will also be missing.
As for Manchester United, Luke Shaw has returned to training and is likely to be part of the matchday squad. Andre Onana is also expected to play but Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez will not be available for selection due to fitness issues.
Everton vs Manchester United Potential Line-ups
Everton: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Onana, Garner, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin
Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Reguilon; Amrabat, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Mount; Rashford
How to Watch?
Everton vs Manchester United, as well as all other matches in the English top-flight, can be watched via the football streams.
Everton vs Manchester United prediction
Ten Hag’s men haven’t been very convincing with their performances in recent weeks. Everton have suffered a harsh punishment and that should help to galvanise them to a victory on Sunday at Goodison Park.
Everton 2-1 Manchester United