Everton are back in Premier League action again this weekend, as they are continue to push for their first three points of 2024.
However, if they could not claim victory against the likes of West Ham United or Crystal Palace at home, it is even more unlikely that they will do so at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Manchester United are an odd side, with Erik ten Hag’s unpredictable reds an awkward challenge for anyone to face. Especially when there is no way of knowing which Red Devils side will show up; the unstoppable one, or the underwhelming…
Sean Dyche will be hoping for the latter, and we assume he will put out the following side to give himself the best possible chance of capitalising…
Here’s our predicted XI for Everton vs Manchester United
The 52-year-old is expected to make just two changes from the side that whimpered to another Goodison Park defeat last weekend.
Jordan Pickford will retain his spot, behind a backline only slightly changed.
Although Dyche’s defence has been one of few shining lights throughout an otherwise dull campaign, few can argue against the manner in which it blunts his side.
After all, Vitaliy Mykolenko is far from the most expansive and athletic full-back, whilst Ben Godfrey is not a right-back at all.
The latter could therefore make way this weekend, with the £75k-a-week stalwart finally dropping out the side to allow club captain Seamus Coleman to return.
They will flank the ever-present James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.
With Andre Gomes back from injury, he does offer something different in the midfield, but perhaps it might be worth persevering with James Garner and Amadou Onana to retain that solid, workmanlike foundation for success on the road.
They will sit behind Abdoulaye Doucoure, who continues his injury comeback.
With Dwight McNeil having struggled in recent weeks, as both a physical and emotional turmoil continues to build, perhaps he might benefit by sitting this one out, instead making way for Lewis Dobbin.
The direct 21-year-old could offer a much-needed injection of pace and youthful exuberance to spearhead their counterattacks, alongside Jack Harrison on the opposite flank.
These wide men will seek to supply Beto, who is unlikely to lose his starting spot after doing what seemingly no Everton striker has done this season: score.
Despite missing a penalty, it was an admirable showing from the Portuguese colossus, who will have ambitions of cementing a starting spot with another impressive performance on Saturday.
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