ⓒ The Guardian Nigeria
Manchester United is set to face Everton in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at Old Trafford. The Opta supercomputer predicts a Manchester United victory, with simulations showing a 57.5% chance of a Red Devils win. However, Everton’s recent form, despite their struggles, shouldn’t be dismissed. They’ve only lost once in their last eight league games, showcasing improved defensive solidity. Their attacking prowess, though, remains a concern, having failed to score in their last three matches.
The historical head-to-head record heavily favors Manchester United, who have won 41 Premier League games against Everton – more than any other team has against a single opponent in the competition’s history. Everton’s last away win against Manchester United dates back to December 2013.
Manchester United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, will be leading a league match at Old Trafford for the first time. His tenure started with a dramatic win against Ipswich Town, followed by a hard-fought victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. While United’s attacking capabilities are evident, their goal-scoring record this season is surprisingly low, with only 13 goals scored from an expected goals (xG) of 18.3.
Key players to watch include Marcus Rashford for Manchester United, who has a strong record against Everton, and Dwight McNeil for Everton, who has been a creative force despite his team’s struggles. The match is likely to be a low-scoring affair, given both teams’ defensive strengths and offensive limitations.
The Opta Power Rankings provide a global team ranking, assigning ability scores to teams worldwide. This ranking will offer further insight into the expected strengths of each team before kickoff.
Ultimately, while Manchester United appears to be the favorite on paper, Everton’s resilience and the unpredictable nature of football mean that this match promises to be a compelling encounter.
