Mark Lawrenson predicts Everton v Manchester United
Mark Lawrenson predicts Manchester United to continue their recent good form against Everton in Saturday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Everton have won just one of the last 16 meetings between the sides, but a solid start to the 2021/22 campaign sees the Blues sit level on points with the Red Devils after six games.
That’s not enough to tempt ex-Liverpool defender Lawrenson into backing Rafa Benitez and co, however, after sharing his weekend predictions on the BBC Sport website.
He said: “This will be a tough test for United, because we have seen how good Everton are under Rafa Benitez, and Solskjaer must cope without the injured Harry Maguire in his defence.
“United struggled without Maguire at the end of last season, but the arrival of Raphael Varane means they are strong enough at the back now – plus Everton are still without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, so they will carry less of a threat.”
Lawrenson has backed the home side to emerge as 2-0 winners.
Ole under pressure
It could only take some early Everton pressure and a goal to pile the pressure on the home side at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday but they were far from their best with the Spanish side dominating them in the first half.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were both absent in midweek, and the defensive duo could once again be missing this weekend, something which should act as a big boost for Benitez and his side.
There are vulnerabilities in the Red Devils side, now it is up to the Blues to show the progress they are making under Benitez and produce a statement result.
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan has claimed the Blues are ‘another Derby’ and will need Farhad Moshiri to bail them out.
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