Paul Merson makes ‘shocked’ admission ahead of Everton v Manchester United clash in Premier League
Paul Merson would “be shocked” if Everton lose to Manchester United in Sunday’s (26 November) Premier League clash at Goodison Park.
The Toffees will be backed by a vociferous crowd in their first match since being controversially docked 10 points for breaching financial regulations.
United are the most in-form side in the division over the past five games, but Merson cannot see them winning on Merseyside.
“I’d be shocked if they got beat tomorrow. I’d be shocked,” he said on Sky Sports News [25 November, 12:46].
“Everton is one of the hardest places you could go and get a result, and I think it’ll be like that tomorrow.
“It’ll be hostile, the fans will be with them. When you watch Manchester United, they look a bit flaky away from home.”
Poor record
Quite how Manchester United are the Premier League’s in-form side heading into this weekend is anyone’s guess.
The Red Devils have looked poor pretty much all season, although they do deserve credit for grinding out league wins over the past month.
Everton were themselves in good form before the international break, though, and are only in the bottom three due to the points deduction.
Even on a normal weekend, Toffees fans would have backed their side to get something out of this contest.
When you add in the context of the protests, and what should be an incredible Goodison atmosphere, then those odds of winning shoot up.
It is important we do not get carried away, however, as this is ultimately still a tough game on the face of it.
Besides, Everton have won only two of their past 19 meetings with United – both coming at Goodison Park, in April 2019 and April 2022.
It is now over to the supporters to get fully behind the players, and the players to make sure they turn up and give it their all.
In other Everton news, Sam Matterface has suggested the Toffees could be in “big trouble” if a development that has been mentioned actually goes through.