The Matchday 26 clash in the Premier League between Everton and Manchester United will take place on February 22 at Goodison Park in Liverpool. Everton vs. Manchester United: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Everton
Last season, the Liverpool side secured their Premier League status with a late surge, going unbeaten in five consecutive matches (4 wins and 1 draw). In the past month, they have replicated similar form in the league, climbing to 14th place in the standings and distancing themselves by 13 points from the relegation zone. Notably, David Moyes' team defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 away in the last round.
- At least one team has failed to score in 12 of Everton's last 16 Premier League games.
- The club has not lost in 9 of their last 12 league matches (5 wins and 4 draws).
- The Liverpool side has not been behind at halftime in their last seven Premier League matches (4 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Everton (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford – Vitaliy Mykolenko, Jake O'Brien, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite – Idrissa Gueye, James Garner – Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrøm – Beto Gomes.
Defenders Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman, midfielders Orel Mangala and Dwight McNeil, forwards Armando Broja, Iliman Ndiaye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Youssef Chermiti will miss the game due to injuries.
Manchester United
The team comes into this match on the back of two consecutive defeats without scoring. They lost 0-2 to Crystal Palace at home and then 0-1 to Tottenham away. The club continues to set new negative records: for the first time since the 1973/74 season, they have suffered 12 defeats in the first 25 league games. Ruben Amorim's side has dropped to 15th place but still maintains a 12-point cushion from the relegation zone.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 7 of Manchester United's last 10 Premier League matches.
- The club has only won two of their last nine league games (1 draw and 6 defeats).
- The Red Devils have not won the first half in their last 12 league games (7 draws and 5 defeats).
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (3-4-2-1)
Andre Onana – Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt – Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes – Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho – Rasmus Højlund.
Due to injuries, goalkeeper Altay Bayındır, defenders Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans, as well as midfielder Mason Mount and forward Kobbie Mainoo, are unavailable.
Referee
Andy Madley (England)
Matches – 12 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 48;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 17%.
Everton vs. Manchester United: Match Prediction
Historically, the Red Devils have performed well against the Liverpool side in the league. However, this season, they are showing their worst form since the Premier League's inception. The change in head coach has only led to a further decline in the standings, and players have reported confusion over Ruben Amorim's strategy. Interestingly, in an attempt to improve the team's performance, the Portuguese manager included youth players with no experience, alongside veteran Victor Lindelöf, on the bench in the last match.
I believe Everton will at least avoid defeat in this encounter. The managerial change has benefited them, unlike their opponents. Under David Moyes, the club is unbeaten in five consecutive Premier League matches. Additionally, they have won two and drawn one of their last three home league games, including a draw with Liverpool. Meanwhile, Manchester United has only won two of their last ten away league matches (4 draws and 4 losses).
My prediction: Everton with a handicap (0)