Lawrenson and Owen predict outcome of Everton clash v Manchester United
Mark Lawrenson and Michael Owen believe that Everton will fail to take three points in their clash with Manchester United on Saturday.
The former Liverpool players have both predicted that United will win the game, which would be the Toffees third league defeat of 2021.
Whilst giving his weekly BBC predictions, Lawrenson believes that this will be much tougher for United than their last game.
He said: “United’s 9-0 win over Southampton was a freak result but even so it will give them a lot of confidence. Things will be a lot harder for them, though.
“On the physical side of things, Everton are very strong, and they have obviously got some quality too.
“Wednesday’s win at Leeds means Carlo Ancelotti’s side have won five of their past six away league games.
“I think taking the points at Old Trafford too is a big ask.”
Lawrenson predicts a 2-1 United win.
Writing on the BetVictor Blog, Owen thinks United’s confidence after the 9-0 victory will see them through this one.
He said: “Their home form has been a bit of a concern this season, so winning so emphatically will build the confidence that they need to go on a winning run there.
“Everton have won their last four on the road, however, this will be their hardest test since that run began. United seem full of confidence just now.
“They are undefeated in thirteen of their last fourteen matches against Everton in all competitions and I think they’ll just edge this one in what should be an entertaining match.
Owen also predicts a 2-1 scoreline in favour of United.
Underdogs
Carlo Ancelotti and Everton won’t mind being underestimated in this game. Some of their worst performances this season have come against ‘lesser’ opposition.
They suffered defeats twice to a struggling Newcastle side and were unable to win at St Mary’s in October.
As both pundits touched on, Everton’s away form has been fantastic as of late. The win at Elland Road was very impressive.
Leeds were coming off the back of a big win at the King Power to Leicester City. Ancelotti’s side were humbled at home to Newcastle, not offering much going forward.
The players showed a lot of courage to go to Leeds and win. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lucas Digne, in particular, performed to a high standard.
These are two players who are crucial to Ancelotti, they’ll both be well up for the task at Old Trafford.
In other Everton news, Docoure could hold the key for the Toffees, after an impressive display in the win at Leeds.