Everton will be looking to pick up their first Premier League win in 2024 when they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday (10 March).
With two defeats and four draws in their last six games, the Toffees find themselves just five points above the relegation zone, despite getting four points back.
The Toffees could lose more points in their second hearing for breaching PSR rules, and it is a high possibility. So, they have to be prepared for that and pick up as many points now as they can.
At the moment, it seems like Sean Dyche is running out of ideas. They are heading into this game on the back of a 3-1 defeat against West Ham at Goodison Park, and Dyche needs to do something to get a positive result at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are gradually slipping away from the top-four race, but they will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after their defeat against Manchester City.
Chris Sutton says while he is tempted to go for a draw, he thinks the Red Devils will earn a precious win. He has predicted a 2-1 win for Manchester United for BBC Sport.
What Sutton said about Man Utd v Everton
“Everton have been in woeful form for a while now, but I still can’t say I am totally convinced Manchester United will beat them,” said Sutton.
“Sean Dyche’s side gave United a decent game at Goodison Park in November, despite losing 3-0, and I feel like the score will be a lot closer this time. I am really tempted to go for a draw but I just know United will somehow nick another spawny win, so that is what I am going with.
“There were some people out there who gave them credit for hanging on for a long time against Manchester City last Sunday but I was not impressed. There is no disputing how good Marcus Rashford’s goal was to give United the lead, but the game was a mismatch and they are so far behind City – the two teams are worlds apart.
“Whether United do win this game or not probably comes down to whether striker Rasmus Hojlund is fit. If he does make it back from injury, it gives them a focal point in attack. Without him, we saw what happened to United last time out at Old Trafford when they lost to Fulham.”
How should Everton approach this game?
The last time the two sides met, the Toffees lost 3-0 at Goodison Park. The scoreline probably doesn’t do justice but the Toffees played really well that day.
United have lost recently against Fulham at Old Trafford, so there’s no reason why Everton can’t get a win here.
The big question remains how would they approach the game. Will they go for a win or look for a draw?
Beto started the previous game in place of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and scored against the Hammers. He also missed a penalty. Should Dyche continue with him or bring his main striker into the starting line-up?
Everton simply cannot rely on other results at the moment, and need to win their games to climb up the table.
