Everton v Manchester United
Saturday 17th October – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Football – England – Premier League
Three points separate Everton and Manchester United in the table heading into the meeting between the two at Goodison on Saturday. Everton’s last game was a 1-1 draw in the derby with Liverpool, whilst United suffered a humbling 3-0 loss away to Arsenal. Incidentally, that was also the score the last time these two met – one of the better performances from the Toffees in what was a disappointing season.
The aim for Everton this season was to get back to the sort of level they were at in Roberto Martinez’ first season, when finishing fifth. It was an effort that they were unable to match 12 months ago, dropping to 11th. So far the blues have been in good form and look capable of challenging for a top six place, but that’s the case for a lot of clubs at the moment, such is the traffic jam in the top half of the table. Six points separate the top 10 clubs, and it’s particularly tight from second to eighth where the gap is just three points. It means that teams who have a genuine aim of getting a European place will have to earn every point in what looks a very competitive division.
Manchester United have greater expectations than just finishing in the top six but they, too, will have to improve to even match their fourth-placed finish from last season, if the loss at Arsenal is anything to go by. Having been top of the league going into that weekend’s set of fixtures, their was a lot of talk that Louis Van Gaal’s men were realistic challengers for the title, that may be the case but they will have to defend much better with their limitations seriously exposed by a rampant Gunners side. It will be another test for them at a ground they have struggled at recently – losing on their last three visits without even scoring a goal.
As positive as Everton’s start to the season has been, the draw with Liverpool last time out was another home game without a win. The 3-1 success against Chelsea is their only win at Goodison this season, which was their first victory at home since that win against United at the end of April. It’s an issue that the manager will not be overly concerned about as their performances have been decent, but if they are to finish in a similar position to 2013/14, then picking up more wins at home is essential, and there would be few sweeter three points for Evertonians, than against United.
The loss to Arsenal was United’s first loss after four straight wins so as much as the Emirates is a difficult place to go, the manner of the defeat would have been most concerning. It puts them under a lot of pressure now to stay in touch with the leaders as they face this difficult trip before the derby with City next Sunday, who happen to be the current leaders. Both will be stern examinations of Van Gaal and his squad as they look to claim their first title since 2013. Winning on Saturday would definitely be a step in the right direction and show an immediate reaction to the Arsenal defeat.
Everton v Manchester United Betting Tips
An Everton win would not only see them rack up four straight successes at home to United, but it will take them level on points with them. It can be difficult to assess how any teams I’ll perform after having players away on international duty, but Everton showed in their win over Chelsea that it is unlikely to affect them adversely having come on the back of the last break.
Van Gaal will likely look to keep it tight in the opening stages of the game having conceded three goals in the first 20 minutes against Arsenal. It was all about damage limitation from that point onwards and the manager will be looking to avoid going behind early at all costs.
In terms of betting perspective, I can’t have United as favourites, certainly not on the back of that performance against Arsenal and their poor recent record, here. Everton were a touch unlucky not to beat Liverpool a fortnight ago and whilst they have won just once at home this season, I think the pace and directness they have in the team – particularly in the shape of Romelu Lukaku – is a bad match-up for a vulnerable United defence and feel the Belgian could have a productive day. He’s already scored five this season and he can add to that tally on Saturday
Lukaku to score anytime 2/1 @ Stan James
