Gary Neville ‘not disrespectful enough’ to make Everton claim ahead of Man United clash
Gary Neville said he is “not disrespectful enough” to ever underestimate Everton as he offered his prediction for Monday night’s clash.
Everton face United at Hill Dickinson Stadium aiming to keep alive their hopes of finishing in a European spot in the Premier League.
United, for their part, can climb into the top four with a point on Merseyside after a recent upturn in form under Michael Carrick.
Many are expecting a tight contest under the Hill Dickinson lights, although Neville cannot see past an away win.
What are Gary Neville’s thoughts ahead of Everton vs Man United?
Neville will be on co-commentary duties for Sky Sports on Monday night and he shared his prediction for the match ahead of the game.
Asked if he is confident of a United win, Neville said: “Of course I want United to do it tonight, but I’m not disrespectful enough to think it won’t be a challenging game.
“You know if Everton stay in this game, get the crowd involved from corners, free-kicks, tackles, things can happen.
“Man United had a challenging game against West Ham in their last game, so Carrick will have enormous respect, but I think United will edge it.”
As Neville rightly says, the home crowd will be fully behind their side on Monday night, with a big fan display prepared for pre-game.
Everton’s record at their new home has been far from perfect, but this can often happen during a settling-in period.
The hope is that Hill Dickinson will become as intimidating a ground – more so, in fact – than Goodison Park over time.
Just how bad is Everton’s home form right now?
Everton were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth last time out at Hill Dickinson and have now lost five of their past nine Premier League home games.
To put that into some perspective, that is as many defeats as they suffered in their previous 28 (W12 D11).
David Moyes has made a point that he needs Everton to turn their home form around if they are to have a shot of challenging for a European spot.
There is no reason why that cannot begin with three points over United, who have looked for better under Carrick but are undoubtedly there for the taking.
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