Manchester United only have a few matches left in their Premier League season, and the focus is quite clear: The Red Devils need to get as many points as they can, and wait for a few defeats of other sides if they want to clinch a UEFA Champions League berth for the 2019-20 season. That road to Europe will continue this Sunday, when The Red Devils take on Everton at Goodison Park. That match will begin at 13:30 BST.
Team News
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed Ander Herrera, Eric Bailly and Antonio Valencia will all miss the game. However, Nemanja Matic and Alexis Sanchez could be in line to get their first respective starts in a few weeks, as both have “good training sessions” on Saturday, according to the gaffer. Ashley Young is available after a one-match ban, while Luke Shaw remains unavailable after picking up his 10th Premier League yellow card against Wolverhampton. All things considered, there could be a few changes compared to the side that started midweek against FC Barcelona.
On the other hand, The Toffees won’t have two former Barcelona players in this game. Andre Gomes will begin a three-match suspension in this one, while Yerry Mina continues to struggle due to a hamstring injury. Two former Manchester United players could start for Everton here: Michael Keane and Morgan Schneiderlin. Both have struggled for playing time in recent weeks, but the aforementioned absences could give them a chance to crack the starting XI.
Form guide
Manchester United’s form during the Premier League season has been inconsistent. And even though the side has experienced quite a turnaround following the arrival of Solskjaer, recent results have not been very good. Even though The Red Devils own a W3, L2 mark in their last five Premier League matches, the two defeats have come in their last two road games, against Arsenal and Wolverhampton. But make no mistake here. United must improve their recent road form, especially knowing they sit just three points behind the third place of the standings. Plus, they recently suffered a 3-0 loss against FC Barcelona at Camp Nou earlier this week. Can they shake off their recent woes to secure a much-needed win away from home?
On the other hand, Everton currently sit in 10th place of the standings with 46 points, and have also gone W3, L2 in their last five Premier League matches. One would guess The Toffees do not have much to play for, but they currently sit just three points behind the seventh-placed Watford. And since that spot will likely end up giving an FA Cup spot, winning here could be crucial for the Merseyside squad. Especially considering they will be playing at home.
What is our recent record against Everton?
United have previously faced Everton 198 times in the past across all competitions. United’s edge is quite clear since they have won 88 of the previous encounters, while Everton register 66 wins and there have been 44 draws. Earlier this season, United secured a 2-1 win over The Toffees at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba.
Predicted outcome
Manchester United won’t have the injury concerns they have faced in recent matches. And they look like the better side in this match, based on both form and the fact that Everton have also looked quite inconsistent. As things stand right now, Manchester United will certainly start this game as favourites, and shouldn’t have problems to win here.
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