Manchester United vs Everton
Rewind 11 months and the preview for a Premier League meeting between these sides at Goodison Park could have comprised exactly the same script.
In a nutshell there are questions on whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the man to take Manchester United forward? Can he really guide them to some silverware? How much longer should he have in the Old Trafford hot seat?
Well, writing this before United’s Champions League tie in midweek, it’s hard to know whether or not the spotlight on Solskjaer this Saturday lunchtime will have eased or not but the bigger questions certainly haven’t.
After two straight domestic defeats, the Norwegian needs Premier League 2021 highlights to get the Theatre of Dreams rocking and give himself some breathing space – just as he managed to achieve in a clash against Everton last November.
Talking Points
It won’t have helped United’s cause – or indeed escaped Solskjaer’s attention – that this game is being played less than 72 hours after they have been involved in European exertions, whereas Everton have had a week off since their 2-0 victory over Norwich.
Indeed, there was a suggestion earlier this summer that no teams would be playing in the Saturday lunchtime slot straight off the back of a Wednesday night match in Europe so, quite how this is a 12:30 pm kick-off is a surprise.
United will get on with it though and should have the squad to do so, although England duo Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are likely to be absent after limping out of their defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.
Likewise, there must be question marks about whether Everton’s main front duo in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison can return from injury also.
This is Everton’s first major test of the new campaign under new boss Rafa Benitez – although it must be remembered their record away from home at the established big-hitters last season was impressive.
They drew at Old Trafford and won at Anfield, Tottenham, and Arsenal while shaking off some barren runs in the process.
United have largely been impressive at home so far, but two home defeats last week will have quashed some of the enthusiasm.
On virtually every occasion over the past two years, every time there has been some adversity Solskjaer has got through it, only to fail to take the next step.
If he is going to keep his job long-term and be considered an elite manager, that needs to change.
History
Since their first meeting in 1892 when United were known as Newton Heath, this has been a traditional English football heavyweight clash.
For so long in the 1980s, Everton had the edge. But in the Premier League era, United have largely been the dominant force.
Overall, they have 90 triumphs to Everton’s 70 with a further 46 games ending level.
Last season, United won twice at Goodison Park inspired by Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani respectively.
Those successes in the top-flight and League Cup were in front of few fans which made Goodison Park less hostile than it can be for away sides.
The corresponding fixture was a six-goal thriller as United took control only for the Toffees to twice fight back from behind.
After Cavani and Fernandes were on target again, Everton hit back quickly with two goals in three minutes from Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez.
Scott McTominay’s 70th minute header then looked to have won it for the Red Devils only for Calvert-Lewin to capitalise on poor marking in the fifth minute of stoppage time and spark gleeful Everton celebrations.
Betting Tip
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Manchester United vs Everton | Manchester United First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.03 |
| October 2, 19:30 (GMT+8) |
United are emphatic favourites with the SBOTOP Premier League 2021 betting odds which back them 1X2 @ 1.50 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.86 and -1.50 @ 2.44.
Everton fans may well fancy a punt themselves with such attractive odds on their own team, including 1X2 @ 6.20 and Asian Handicap + 1.00 @ 2.07.
A draw, just as this fixture has been over the past two seasons, will pay out @ 4.20.
Another 3-3 thriller, meanwhile, is on offer with the Correct Score odds at a high @115.00.
Without full team news yet known for either side, it is harder to predict a winner and I certainly expect it to be a tight contest.
I do expect a few goals though which makes me consider various options including total goal 2-3 @ 1.98, 4-6 @ 3.15 and over 2.75 goals @ 2.00.
Instead, I am going to plump for United to make a strong start – something they have failed to do in any of their matches so far this season.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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