Manchester United vs Everton: Preview, Prediction & Lineups
The Premier League action continues this Sunday as Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford in a highly anticipated Gameweek 13 fixture. Both teams are aiming to build on recent form, with United seeking consistency under new leadership and Everton looking to climb further away from the relegation zone.
Manchester United’s New Era
Since parting ways with Erik ten Hag, Manchester United have shown improvement, initially going four games unbeaten under Ruud van Nistelrooy before transitioning to Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager has already made an impression, leading United to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League following a 1-1 Premier League draw with Ipswich Town.
With Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes stepping up in key moments and Rasmus Højlund scoring a crucial brace midweek, the Red Devils will look to maintain momentum against Everton.
Everton’s Road to Survival
Sean Dyche’s Everton have had a turbulent season but have shown resilience in recent weeks. Despite starting with four straight defeats, the Toffees have lost just one of their last eight Premier League games. However, their inability to turn draws into wins has kept them dangerously close to the relegation zone.
With players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin regaining form, Everton are capable of troubling any team. But their lack of consistent goal-scoring remains a concern, as they’ve failed to score in a league-high six matches this season.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim will be without several key defenders, including Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Leny Yoro, due to injuries. Jonny Evans faces a late fitness test but is unlikely to feature.
United are expected to field a 3-4-3 formation, with Andre Onana in goal and a back three of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martinez. Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will operate as wing-backs, while Casemiro partners Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. Upfront, Rasmus Højlund will lead the line, supported by Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Onana; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Shaw; Fernandes, Højlund, Garnacho
Everton
Everton will be without former United player James Garner due to a back injury, along with Seamus Coleman, Tim Iroegbunam, Youssef Chermiti, and Armando Broja.
Dyche is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system, with Jordan Pickford in goal and a back four of Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Vitaliy Mykolenko. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye will anchor the midfield, while Dwight McNeil operates in an advanced role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Doucoure, Gueye; Lindstrom, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
Key Stats
- Manchester United have won 41 Premier League games against Everton, the most by any team against a single opponent in the competition.
- The Red Devils have struggled offensively this season, scoring 13 goals from an expected 18.3, the biggest negative differential in the league.
- Everton have won only two of their 12 league games this season but have lost just one of their last eight matches.
- Everton have kept four clean sheets this season, a figure only bettered by Manchester United and Liverpool.
- Marcus Rashford has been involved in five goals in his last seven league appearances against Everton, including two goals in his previous two meetings.
Player to Watch: Rasmus Højlund
The Danish striker is beginning to make his mark at United, scoring two crucial goals in the Europa League midweek. Rasmus Højlund has the physical presence and finishing ability to trouble Everton’s defense and could be a decisive factor in this game.
Prediction
With momentum on their side and home advantage, Manchester United should have enough firepower to secure all three points. Everton’s struggles in front of goal and United’s defensive resilience could tilt the scales in the hosts’ favor.
Manchester United 2-0 Everton
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