The State of Play
Erik ten Hag is under pressure in charge of Manchester United as they drifted further away from the top five last weekend, losing 3-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League. The Red Devils have played 38 matches across all competitions but they have managed just five wins by more than a solitary goal. They are simply just an extremely underwhelming team.
Everton earned some points back after an appeal against the points deduction from back in November but the Toffees have endured a really tough run of form. Sean Dyche’s men were beaten 3-1 by West Ham United last weekend at Goodison Park and they are on their longest winless run during the Premier League era. They have managed just one win in their last 14 matches across all competitions.
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Team News
Manchester United remain without several key first-teamers for this weekend. Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial and Mason Mount remain unavailable, whilst Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford are all doubts, too.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye is a major doubt for this weekend but Sean Dyche said there is a ‘chance’ he could play. They remain without the likes of Dele Alli and Arnaut Danjuma, too.
Expected Line-ups
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat; Mainoo, Casemiro; Garnacho, McTominay, Fernandes; Rashford
Everton: Pickford; Godfrey, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; McNeil, Doucoure, Onana, Gueye, Harrison; Calvert-Lewin
What they Said
Erik ten Hag dismissed claims he was under imminent and immediate pressure for his job last weekend, saying that people needed to look at the ‘bigger picture’ with regards to the situation.
Sean Dyche was keen to talk up Everton’s improving performances: “We have to continue creating chances and it’s not easy doing that, a lot of good chances, but we have to maintain that and add the detail in the final moment.”
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at Old Trafford at 12:30 on Saturday March 9th and will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK. It will also be streamed live via the TNT Sports app in the UK.
Prediction
As mentioned, even when they win it is unconvincing for Manchester United and they are unlikely to ever be a good team to back to blow a team away, especially this season. Everton’s performances have perhaps not been as bad as their recent results have suggested and they will be difficult to break down at Old Trafford. United remain favourites at home but it should be a low-scoring encounter.
