Paul Merson predicts scoreline of Everton versus Manchester United
Everton travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday, and Rafa Benitez will be keen to send a statement of intent.
The Toffees have lost just once in the Premier League this term, despite being plagued by injuries in recent weeks.
The Red Devils clash will be their toughest encounter so far in 2021-22, however, and a fierce game is expected.
Paul Merson is tipping the hosts to narrowly edge out Everton, predicting a 2-1 defeat for the Merseysiders in his Sportskeeda column.
He said: “It can’t be so bad all the time, so I expect Manchester United to win this Premier League encounter 2-1.
“They were unfortunate not to score the penalty against Aston Villa and were well beaten against Villarreal despite getting a result, so it’s kind of hard to predict their results.
“Everton have done a great job so far this season, but they have their fair share of injury concerns.
“With a full-strength starting XI, they could have caused Manchester United problems, but I don’t think that will be the case at Old Trafford this week.”
No chance?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to individual training during the week, while Richarlison is also working vigorously at the Finch Farm gym.
However, both players are not expected to make the trip to Old Trafford, and that is a big blow.
In their absences, Benitez has deployed Salomon Rondon as his number nine, but the Venezuelan is struggling to make any impact whatsoever since arriving as a free agent in the summer.
Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have been in fine form, though, and the duo will be very keen to prove their quality against a top opponent.
The summer signings have been involved in eight Premier League goals between themselves so far, and they have what it takes to cause the Man Utd defence a lot of problems.
Everton will get their chances, but they could be few and far between, and they need to make the most of them to get a result.
In other Everton news, Toffees duo have been spotted training alone at Finch Farm as midfielder completes injury comeback.
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