Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday in what is Rúben Amorim’s first game at home in England’s top flight. The Toffees are struggling near the bottom of the table, but Amorim’s side have endured a few teething problems in his opening few matches.
By Matt Smith
Defensive fitness concerns
Amorim will be sweating over the fitness of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans ahead of the game against Everton, with all four central defenders missing from the clash against Bodø/Glimt last time out.
Aside from the defensive fitness problems, United could have a fully fit squad to choose from, leaving Amorim with some selection headaches in attack. Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw have all recently returned from injury.
Missed chances are damaging United
Creating opportunities hasn’t been a major issue for United this season, producing 27 big chances in the Premier League, with only Aston Villa and Liverpool managing more. A problem has been their conversion rate, as the Red Devils have missed the same number of big chances this campaign.
Comparing United to Tottenham, Amorim’s men have created 27 big chances while scoring 13 goals, whereas Spurs have struck 27 times despite creating one fewer big chance. Alejandro Garnacho has been one of the main culprits, but he could have his confidence back after getting on the scoresheet on Thursday night.
No injury boost for the Toffees
Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti are building up their recovery ahead of this game, and both players featured for the U21s on Friday afternoon. Seamus Coleman has recently returned to training, but Sean Dyche has confirmed that he’s unlikely to be available.
Long-term absentees James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam remain on the treatment table, but Dyche has no fresh injury concerns heading into the trip to Old Trafford.
Long-ball Everton are ineffective
No side in the Premier League has completed more long balls per game than Everton, but their old-school style hasn’t been as effective this season as it was in the previous. The Toffees have created just 13.4 expected goals (xG), the 17th best in the league.
Dwight McNeil’s drop-off in recent weeks has undoubtedly hampered Everton’s chances of winning games. The English winger has provided six goals and assists combined, but he’s produced just one assist in his last five games. Dyche’s side have remained solid defensively over the last few weeks, but he needs to find a way to be more effective in the final third heading into this game.
Prediction
With Amorim in front of the Old Trafford crowd for the first time in the Premier League, the United supporters are going to be right behind their team on Sunday. They’ve shown some inconsistencies in Amorim’s opening two games, but this is a chance to build some momentum against a struggling side.
We’re predicting a 2-0 win for United at Old Trafford this weekend.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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