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Manchester United vs Everton: 06/02/2021 – match preview and predicted starting XIs

Manchester United vs Everton

Date: 06/02/2021

K/O: 20:00

Venue:  Jonathan Moss

Referee: Kevin Friend

TV: Sky Sports 

The Red Devils host the Toffees on Saturday evening as United could climb to the top of the table with a win.

Last time out Manchester United thrashed The Saints in a rampant display. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men put on a spectacular performance equalling the Premier League record by putting nine goals past a depleted Southampton – the second time Saints have lost 9-0 in successive seasons. United’s imperious victory strengthened their grip on the top four as they remain in second place, three points behind Manchester City.

Everton also got back to winning ways beating Leeds 2-1 at Elland Road. The Toffees went ahead after only nine-minutes through Gylfi Sigurðsson, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled their lead minutes before half-time. Leeds brought the game to Everton in the second half, as Raphinha scored immediately after the break – but it was only a consolation. Ancelotti’s side held on to claim the three points, ending their three-game unbeaten run and moving into seventh place, with two games in hand.

Everton started the league in fine form winning seven of their opening 10 Premier League away games, including the last four on the bounce. In fact, only Tottenham and Manchester City have conceded fewer away goals than Everton this season and they’ll set-up to frustrate United, who don’t look comfortable at home against well-oiled defences.

Erase the freakish win against Southampton from your minds and it becomes very hard to get carried away with United’s season. Home matches against West Brom, Wolves and Sheffield United, resulted in just three goals for United, more so, they’ve only managed one goal at Old Trafford when faced with Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham. They’ve also conceded 15 goals at home so far this season – more than ever compared to any previous Premier League campaign.

The story of Everton’s season is inconsistency. Ancelotti’s side have the tendency to play well against the top sides and then disappear against the ‘easier’ teams. Games against Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal produced ten points this season, whereas Newcastle, Burnley, Leeds and Wolves resulted in one point. With that said, The Toffees are in seventh, with two games in hand and if they win both games in hand, they’ll go third above Liverpool and right behind United.

The Red Devils were on a small run of bad form prior to the Saints game – drawing 0-0 to Arsenal and losing 2-1 to The Blades but are now back on track and hot on the heels of City. In fact, United’s emphatic win on Tuesday now means they have the second-best goal difference in the league – overtaking Liverpool on 18.

The cliche, ‘attack is the best form of defence’ is certainly becoming a theme to Man Utd’s season. Out of the current top-six teams, United have conceded the most goals with 27, but on the flip side, they’ve been outscoring teams – with the most goals in the league, 46. Saturday’s clash combines two of the league’s golden boot contenders: Bruno Fernandes and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Both are talismans for their teams, and both are on 12 goals. Mohamed Salah is the current leader on 15 goals, so both Fernandes and Calvert-Lewin will be keen to get on the score sheet.

Everton can frustrate the big teams using their counter-attacking tactics: Richarlison and Lucas Digne offer a route-in behind defences, plus their aerial threat from set-pieces offers a tough challenge defensively, so this could be a tricky evening for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Team News 

Manchester United 

Manchester United will check on Edinson Cavani’s fitness ahead of Saturday night’s visit of Everton. The Uruguayan remains a doubt ahead of the visit from Everton. Phil Jones is working back to fitness but still remains a long-term absentee. Luke Shaw was rested at half-time against The Saints whilst Pogba was absent from the Tuesday’s squad to ‘recharge his batteries’ so it’s likely he’ll feature against the Toffees on Saturday.

Everton

Jordan Pickford will not be available for selection due to a rib injury. In his place, Robin Olsen will take his place after impressing against Leeds. Ben Godfrey started in defence against Leeds and may retain his place if Ancelotti prefers speed over the experience of Michael Keane. Allan remains out with a hamstring injury; his return is expected to be around mid-February.

Predicted Starting XIs

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Mctominay; Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

Everton (4-2-3-1): Olsen; Holgate, Keane, Godfrey, Digne; Doucouré, André Gomes; Rodríguez, Sigurdsson, Richarlison; Calvert-Lewin

Score Prediction: Manchester United 0-1 Everton 

I expect Everton to give United a run for their money on Saturday evening. The Toffees are on their best away run since the 1985/86 season and I think Ancelotti will have a thing or two up his sleeve. The Reds, however, could prove me wrong after their emphatic win last week and they’ll be keen to close the gap on City.

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