Everton vs Manchester United: Preview and Prediction

Published by William | Filed under Football (aka soccer), Predictions, Premier League, Previews

Wayne Rooney and United look to claim another 3 points against a tricky Everton club.

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2/20 12:45 GMT Manchester United at Everton – Odds | Stats


Manchester United heads to Goodison Park this Saturday for what is sure to be a tough fixture against an in-form Everton side. United is coming off of an exciting and statement making win earlier this week over AC Milan in the Champions League round of 16 and seems to really be hitting stride at the right time as they always do. Meanwhile, Everton has only lost 2 matches out of their last 12 in all competitions and are coming off big victories including a home defeat of Premiership leaders Chelsea and a 2-1 defeat of Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League round of 32. With both teams clicking on all cylinders, Saturday’s match should be an exciting one to say the least.


Everton:


The Toffees have made a remarkable turnaround since the tumultuous start to their season as they now sit in the top half of the Premiership League Table. They have magnificent particularly at home at Goodison Park, unbeaten in their last 6 and winning the last 4. While there has not been much said about this but is it merely a coincidence that the Toffees have been clicking ever since the addition of winger Landon Donovan? They have won 5 of 8 matches since Donovan debuted in the Toffees’ 2-2 draw against Arsenal in which he had an assist. He was even voted Player of the Month in January by Everton’s fans. This Saturday he may be asked to do a little more than he has been since joining hte Merseyside with key midfielder Tim Cahill likely to miss with a calf injury. He may be asked to assist the red hot Louis Saha (15 goals in 28 appearances this season) in more of a central attacking role but surely Moyes make that decision come Saturday. Also expected to miss this Saturday are Phillipe Senderos (back), Marouane Fellaini (ankle), and Phil Jagielka (knee).


Manchester United:


Manchester United has been magnificent since losing to rivals Manchester City, going unbeaten in their last 6 matches adn winning 5 including a Carling Cup final-clinching victory over City and a 3-2 defeat of AC Milan at San Siro in the Champions League. Like I have been saying all along (and not that it’s a secret), they owe everything to the remarkable play of striker Wayne Rooney. With 25 goals in only February, he is well on his way to wining the Golden Boot and making his case for World Footballer of the Year. What’s interesting about this weekend’s fixture is that he makes yet again, another return to the club where he started out. He always receives a cold welcome and don’t expect any different this Saturday. The Red Devils will be without England international Rio Ferdinand and Portuguese winger Nani as they both serve suspensions. Also missing is Ryan Giggs (arm), John O’Shea (thigh), and Owen Hargreaves (knee).


Match Facts:


-United is unbeaten in their last 8 Premiership league fixtures.


-Everton has only won one of their last 29 Premiership fixtures with United (April 2005).


-Everton has lost only one of their last 11 league fixtures.


Prediction:


Surely, Everton is going to bring all they have this Saturday as they try to get the huge victory for the Merseyside faithful. However, the absence of Tim Cahill may be a little disruptive against an in form Manchester midfield. It will be close but Rooney will once again prove to be much for their opponents as he has all season long.


Pick:


Manchester United 2 – 1 Everton


Bet of the Match:


Manchester United at 1.88 from Blue Square