Everton faces Manchester United at Goodison Park on Sunday in their first Premier League game since receiving a significant 10-point deduction due to breaching the league’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
The Toffees find themselves in a precarious position, while Manchester United aims to find consistency after a turbulent period.
Match Preview
During the international break, Everton supporters were left dismayed after their team’s impressive win over Crystal Palace was overshadowed by a 10-point deduction for breaching financial rules.
As a consequence, Everton sits in 19th place, facing a relegation battle despite recent positive performances.
Everton’s performance against Crystal Palace extended their unbeaten run to four matches across all competitions, showing resilience amidst off-field controversies.
However, the deduction has intensified their relegation worries, with the team languishing in the bottom spots.
Manchester United’s off-field issues, primarily concerning ownership, have also impacted their preparations.
Despite this, they have managed to climb to sixth place in the league table, winning four out of their last five Premier League matches.
Although their victories have been narrow, United’s defensive solidity has contributed to their success. However, their attack has been lacking, resulting in the lowest goal tally among the top half teams.
Manchester United enters the match aiming for a fourth consecutive away win in the Premier League, having triumphed in their previous three encounters against Everton.
Team News
Amadou Onana’s tight calf might keep him sidelined for Everton, while Andre Gomes and Seamus Coleman continue their recovery from respective injuries.
On the Manchester United side, injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen have raised concerns, with other players like Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Jadon Sancho also unavailable.
Possible Lineups
Everton possible starting lineup:(4-4-1-1)
Pickford;
Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko;
Harrison, Garner, Gueye, McNeil;
Doucoure;
Calvert-Lewin
Manchester United possible starting lineup:(4-2-3-1)
Onana;
Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Reguilon;
Amrabat, McTominay;
Antony, Fernandes, Mount;
Rashford
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Manchester United
Fuelled by a sense of injustice from the points deduction, Everton is motivated to upset Manchester United’s Champions League aspirations.
With injuries affecting United’s squad depth, Everton has a chance to secure a positive result at Goodison Park, as United continues to struggle in front of goal.
