Everton faces a critical juncture in their quest for Premier League survival as they visit Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. With two defeats and four draws in their last six games, the Toffees find themselves precariously perched just five points above the relegation zone. Despite securing four points in recent outings, Everton’s struggle to secure a Premier League win in 2024 adds urgency to their situation.
The looming uncertainty over a potential points deduction for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) further compounds Everton’s challenges. As they await the outcome of their second hearing, the Toffees must focus on accumulating points in the present to mitigate the impact of any potential penalty.
Sean Dyche’s side enters the matchup on the back of a 3-1 defeat against West Ham, signaling a pressing need for strategic adjustments. The manager faces the daunting task of reinvigorating his team against a Manchester United side seeking redemption after a recent setback against Manchester City.
Chris Sutton, while acknowledging Everton’s woeful form, expresses reluctance to dismiss their capacity to challenge Manchester United. Reflecting on their previous encounter in November, where United secured a 3-0 victory, Sutton anticipates a closer contest this time. Tempted to predict a draw, he ultimately leans towards Manchester United claiming a narrow 2-1 win, citing potential influence from striker Rasmus Hojlund’s fitness.
“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,” said Sutton.
“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.
“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. 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 do win this game or not probably comes down to 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.”
Sutton’s assessment raises questions about Everton’s approach to the game. Despite the 3-0 loss at Goodison Park in their last meeting, Everton displayed commendable performance, hinting at their ability to compete with United. Considering United’s recent loss to Fulham at Old Trafford, Everton could target this fixture as an opportunity to secure a positive result.
The strategic decisions surrounding the starting lineup add an additional layer of complexity for Sean Dyche. Beto, who started in place of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the previous game, found the net against West Ham but also missed a penalty. Dyche faces a dilemma – whether to persist with Beto or reintroduce his main striker Calvert-Lewin into the starting lineup.
The overarching imperative for Everton is clear – they cannot afford to rely on external results and must secure victories to climb the table. As the team navigates a challenging period, the clash with Manchester United becomes pivotal, demanding a cohesive and determined effort to turn the tide in their favor. The outcome of this match could significantly influence Everton’s trajectory in the ongoing Premier League campaign.