Everton head to Old Trafford on Saturday to face Manchester United in the midday Premier League kickoff.
Sean Dyche’s men are ten games without a win and sit 16th in the table after being awarded four points back last week.
United are coming off a 3-1 derby defeat to Manchester City in what was another damaging blow to their top-four aspirations.
Ahead of the game, Sky Sports pundit Chris Sutton has shared his thoughts on what to expect at Old Trafford.
Chris Sutton predicts Everton v Manchester United result this weekend
In his BBC Sport predictions, Sutton has admitted he’s “tempted” to back the Toffees.
“Everton have been in woeful form for a while now, but I still can’t say I am totally convinced Manchester United will beat them,” he said.
“Sean Dyche’s side gave United a decent game at Goodison Park in November, despite losing 3-0, and I feel like the score will be a lot closer this time.
“I am really tempted to go for a draw but I just know United will somehow nick another spawny win, so that is what I am going with.”
Despite United’s indifferent performances, Sutton has backed the Red Devils to get the job done.
“There were some people out there who gave them credit for hanging on for a long time against Manchester City last Sunday but I was not impressed,” he added.
“There is no disputing how good Marcus Rashford’s goal was to give United the lead, but the game was a mismatch and they are so far behind City – the two teams are worlds apart.
“Whether United win this game or not ” depends on whether striker Rasmus Hojlund is fit. If he does make it back from injury, it gives them a focal point in attack. Without him, we saw what happened to United last time out at Old Trafford when they lost to Fulham. 2-1.”
As Sutton has alluded to, United are sweating on Rasmus Hojlund’s fitness. If the 21-year-old is deemed fit, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite would have their work cut out.
The Dane is finding his feet in the Premier League and has become a focal point of Erik Ten Hag’s attack in recent weeks.
His presence against Dyche’s side will be a significant talking point in the lead-up to Saturday’s clash.
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