Everton face Manchester United in the early kickoff on Saturday afternoon, looking to end their ten-game run without a Premier League win.
It was again late heartbreak for Sean Dyche’s side as West Ham United secured a snatch-and-grab victory at Goodison Park last Saturday.
United have been in decent form lately, but they are also coming off a derby day defeat to Manchester City at The Etihad.
The Red Devils have their injury concerns ahead of the midday fixture.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund could miss the clash, having been sidelined with a minor knock.
On a broader scale, Erik Ten Hag has seven first-team players out as he looks to mount a credible top-four push.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has cast his thoughts ahead of the fixture.
Paul Merson makes Everton v Manchester United prediction
In his weekly predictions for Sportkeeda, Merson feels it’s a good time to be playing Manchester United.
He said: “This is a good time to play Manchester United if you’re Everton, but the Toffees just can’t seem to win a game at the moment! They’ve gone 10 games without a win in the Premier League and they have scored more than one goal only once in those games!”
Merson cannot look past Everton’s winless run and has backed United to pick up the three points.
“I’m just going to fancy Manchester United here, as I can’t see the goal threat from Everton,” he added.
“The Red Devils keeping a clean sheet and getting a comfortable win is a bit unusual this season, but I can see them getting the job done at Old Trafford.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS can easily pull the plug on Erik ten Hag, but the hard part is hiring a manager they really want. Ten Hag’s job looks like it’s not completely safe, and a lot will depend on how the current campaign draws to a close. Manchester United 2-0 Everton.”
Can Everton get anything?
United are by no means a team to be scared of, and their recent defeat against Fulham demonstrates their soft underbelly.
The reason Everton will struggle to get anything is because of the Toffees’ inability to find the back of the net. The back four are almost required to earn a clean sheet for any points to be recorded.
Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin must start putting the ball in the back of the net regularly. Too often, Everton have been left to rue missed chances; that has to change on Saturday.
Beto did get on the scoresheet against the Hammers, and Dyche will be hopeful that the 26-year-old can start to find the net more regularly.
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