Everton, with a tough test at Old Trafford just around the corner, should be quietly confident of pulling off an upset.
After all, despite this being a side lacking in any real belief, Manchester United’s patented unpredictability, especially at home, lends to the suggestion that the Toffees might be able to snag a win.
Should they claim victory, it would mark their first in the Premier League of 2024.
Sean Dyche has plenty of selection headaches to contend with, given the quality of his returning players, whilst Erik ten Hag is actually set to be without one star man.
So the stars could be aligning for a famous win, should he make the right tactical and personnel decisions.
Dwight McNeil needs a rest
One obvious decision that must be made is to bench Dwight McNeil.
The winger, who has proven a hugely vital asset for Everton since his £20m move in 2022, has looked exhausted in recent weeks.
Given the immense turmoil going on both physically and emotionally for the 24-year-old, that should come as no surprise.
His usually-reliable crosses have been aimless and weak, and his impact on games minimal. None of his five crosses found a target against West Ham last weekend.
It would likely help him ease the immense and unrelenting burden that he places on himself by affording him a spell on the sidelines, allowing his focus to return after what has been a trying past few years tending to his ill girlfriend.
Sean Dyche must start Lewis Dobbin
In his place, there are few other options aside from Lewis Dobbin.
The 21-year-old has had to be patient this season, with just one Premier League start to his name despite knocking on the door.
Claiming a first top-flight goal too, Dyche remains insistent on preferring Jack Harrison and McNeil to the youngster despite him showing flashes of quality off the bench.
He is fast, direct and dynamic; everything his side have been lacking in recent weeks.
Bringing him in against the Red Devils could prove a masterstroke, allowing him to run with the ball as they seek to hit Ten Hag’s men on the break.
Should he give him the nod from the beginning on Saturday, it would actually mark his very first start of 2024, likely shocking many.
However, it is a swap that many have been calling for, with McNeil’s fatigue clear for all to see.
Perhaps swapping his tired legs out for the fresh and youthful exuberance of Dobbin could be the catalyst that claims the Toffees their first league win of the new year, and a first win at Old Trafford since 2013.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
