Everton and Manchester United go head-to-head at Goodison Park as David Moyes manages against his former club once again. Rúben Amorim will be hoping to relieve some pressure after a difficult start to his tenure, but the Toffees are in fine form under Moyes.
By Matt Smith
The Red Devils have a strong record when facing Everton, winning the previous meeting earlier in the season 4-0, with Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee both grabbing a brace. The last time United came to Goodison Park, the Manchester club secured a 3-0 victory, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring his famous overhead kick.
Everton welcome back Doucouré
Abdoulaye Doucouré was sent off after the final whistle in the Merseyside derby last week, meaning he missed Everton’s trip to Crystal Palace. The energetic midfielder will be available for selection after serving his suspension, which will be a huge boost for Moyes considering their injury situation.
It’s looking unlikely that the Toffees will see any of their current injured players return, with the likes of Armando Broja, Youssef Chermiti, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Iliman Ndiaye failing to take part in training this week. The injuries haven’t hit them too hard, winning four of their last five Premier League games.
Beto unstoppable under Moyes
Beto has struggled for game time since arriving at Everton from Udinese, but Scottish manager Moyes is starting to get a tune out of him – as we discussed here during the week. Moyes has perhaps been forced to utilise Beto due to injuries in attack, but his increased minutes are bringing the best out of him.
The Lisbon-born striker has averaged 0.79 goals per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, only bettered by four players. In his last three league appearances, Beto has struck on four occasions and will be hoping to continue his fine form against United.
United down to the bare bones
Against Tottenham last week, Amorim’s bench was flooded with academy stars due to a host of injury troubles in the camp. Key players such as Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, and Kobbie Mainoo are still on the treatment table, while the likes of Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, and Mason Mount are all unavailable.
Leny Yoro and Christian Eriksen only missed the Spurs clash due to illness, so they could return at Goodison Park.
Amorim needs more from attacking trio
Due to a lack of options in their front line, we’re likely to see an attacking trio of Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, and Joshua Zirkzee. The young stars have struggled in a United shirt this season, and Amorim will be desperate to see them gather some momentum against Everton.
Finding the back of the net on just eight occasions in the league between them, it’s difficult to see where United’s goals are going to come from. The trio are going to have to start delivering, with Amorim having no option but to select them at the moment.
Prediction
Despite United’s strong record against Everton, we’re going with the form table for this one. The home side has picked up more points in their last five games, so we’re predicting a 2-0 Everton win.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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