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Jose Mourinho really does need three points at Goodison Park this weekend!

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Romelu wasn't built in a day



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A fixture that used to leave Everton grateful for any scraps of which they could feed off, has become one in which they fear no-one in a red shirt.

The pair last met in April’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley when United emerged victorious thanks to Anthony Martial winner deep into injury time. It was their third win over Everton last season, having completed the double in the Premier League.

For United, this is the chance to put the manager’s troubles behind them. Sent to the stands last weekend, Jose Mourinho is facing a lengthy touchline ban. He may feel that his players owe him several wins after recent weeks.

Is he able to inspire them to raise their game? Sunday will give us the answers.

EVERTON

After starting the season with four wins in their first five games, it has been a miserable autumn for Everton. The only bright spots came in the 2 – 0 win over West Ham and a creditable point at the Etihad.  

Despite garnering a reputation as tough to beat at home – they are unbeaten in their last nine home games in the Premier League – they have only won one of their last nine games in all competitions.

Their heavy reliance on Romelu Lukaku leaves them vulnerable to any team which learns how to shackle the Belgian effectively. Having scored 4 in the preceding 6 games, he hasn’t found the net since the win over West Ham; four games for club and country without a goal.

A bright spot comes with the form of summer signing Yannick Bolasie. The former Crystal Palace winger has forged a strong partnership with Lukaku and will be looking forward to the weekend when he faces a United defence riven by injury.

Ronald Koeman has few injury problems to worry about and welcomes back James McCarthy for this fixture, leaving the Dutchman with as strong a squad as he could ask for at this stage of the season.

MANCHESTER UNITED

This is the ground where Manchester United have enjoyed most success in the Premier League era away from Old Trafford. The Red Devils have won 15 of the 24 matches at Goodison Park in that time but have struggled in recent seasons.

Last season’s 3 – 0 win in October was their first win since 2011 in a fixture they had always previously dominated.

Now, they have to win to stay in touch with the top four. If they lose and Arsenal win, the gap to fourth becomes eleven points and that’s game over for their Champions League aspirations.

United will be without the suspended Wayne Rooney and injured Luke Shaw, whose absence offers redemption, albeit temporary, for Daley Blind or Matteo Darmian at left back.

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They welcome back Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini from suspension although Eric Bailly is unlikely return despite resuming training recently, whilst Chris Smalling is still absent.

Recommended Premier League Offer: Betting on Everton vs Manchester United? Claim this Everton vs Manchester United betting bonus from bet365! 

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FORM (Last six games)

Everton - DLWLDL
Manchester United - LWDWDW

STATS

  • Everton have yet to lose a match officiated by Michael Oliver this season (W1, D1) whilst Manchester United have yet to win one (L1).
  • Both teams heaviest defeats this season have come at Stamford Bridge: 0 – 5 for Everton and 0 – 4 for United.
  • Manchester United have been drawing at half-time and full-time in 5 of their last 7 games.
  • Goodison Park is United’s happy hunting ground in the Premier League, winning 15 of the 24 meetings.
  • Everton have conceded 60% of their goals in the first half and scored 62.5% of their goals in the second half.

CURRENT MATCH ODDS [BEST PRICED ODDS]

Everton: 14/5 (Unibet) - Bet Here!    Draw: 5/2 (Betfred) - Bet Here!      Manchester United: 23/20 (Bet365) - Bet Here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Last six meetings
Date              Competition         Result
23/04/2016    FA Cup SF            Everton                      1 – 2    Manchester United
03/04/2016    Premier League    Manchester United      1 – 0     Everton
17/10/2015    Premier League    Everton                      0 – 3    Manchester United
26/04/2015    Premier League    Everton                      3 – 0    Manchester United
05/10/2014    Premier League    Manchester United      2 – 1     Everton
20/04/2014    Premier League    Everton                     2 – 0     Manchester United

SUMMING UP!

If either side is serious about challenging for the top four, this is a must-win match. Seventh v sixth with a point separating them but the gap to the Champions League places is close to being unbridgeable. Without three points, it’s unlikely either side will be able to challenge for the top four.

It makes this a high pressure match, especially for Jose Mourinho whose players have let him down on several occasions this season already. The win on Wednesday papers over the cracks a little but until United find consistency, the Portuguese reign at Old Trafford will remain under intense scrutiny.

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Francois is one of Howtobet4free’s co-founders and has written many of Howtobet4free’s popular Betting Guides. Francois also helps run the @howtobet4free_ Twitter account

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