After a terrific first season in charge as manager of Everton in 2013/14, Roberto Martinez will not have enjoyed this one quite as much. The Toffees finished in fifth position last term, only narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot In the final weeks of the season. They have never got close to reaching those heights this time around, and there are several factors why that has been the case. Competing in the Europa League is one of the main reasons. Everton’s squad is not the biggest so trying to juggle domestic action with European competition was always going to be difficult. Martinez’ squad has also been hit hard by injuries whilst some of their star performers from the previous campaign have not been as consistently good. There are some signs they are getting their act together now, though, winning three of their last four.
Last weekend’s defeat away to Chelsea would have hurt Manchester United but it will have been some sort of indication as to where they stand for next season. It was their first loss in the league since February, and put an end to a six match winning run. Their recent form has all but assured them of a return to the Champions League for next season but as they are only a post behind second-placed Arsenal, that will surely be their target between now and the end of the season. Although they have played a game more than the North London club, United still have to play them in the penultimate game of the season at Old Trafford. The trip to Goodison on Sunday would seem like the hardest of their remaining fixtures outside of that game with Arsenal, so if they can take three points from this it would give them a great chance of finishing second.
In what has been a stop-start season for Everton, it will be their home form which will have really disappointed Martinez. His team have managed only six wins in front of their own fans in the league, from 16 games. To put that into comparison, they won 13 of 18 last season. Despite not being anywhere as dominant at Goodison as they were in the previous campaign, they have still only lost three. Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Stoke are the only clubs to have taken all three points. The last of those defeats came on Boxing Day so they remain unbeaten at home this calendar year – drawing four and winning their last three.
The last time a United team played away to Everton turned out to be David Moyes last game in charge of the club. They lost that game 2-0 and it was one of the most pitiful performances from a Manchester United side in a long time. It seems like a long time ago now, however, with much more optimism surrounding the club as Louis Van Gaal approaches the end of his first season in charge. He will be laying down the challenge to his players to respond to their defeat last week and win their last five games to go into the close season in a positive manner.
Everton always relish the games against the top teams at home and can point to draws with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal as proof of how hard it is for visiting teams to win at Goodison – even when they may not have been at their best. United will be looking to go on another run and finish the season strongly ahead of what they hope is a title challenge next season. Van Gaal’s men have fond memories of the last time they visited Merseyside when they defeat the red half of the city and I fancy them to complete the double on Sunday. Although Everton have been picking up wins lately, I’m not convinced they are in great form and can see them losing their unbeaten home record in 2015, here.
Manchester United 6/5 @ Betfred
