MANCHESTER UNITED had Cristiano Ronaldo to thank for a winner deep into injury time in midweek against Villarreal that arguably stopped the knives being out for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.
And only a win against Everton in Saturday's lunchtime kick off will do for United after their dismal slip-up last week against Aston Villa.
United had lost three out of four in all competitions ahead of their Champions League clash with the Spaniards and, let's be honest, Villarreal should have been out of sight by half time after they missed chance after chance.
But credit to United, they dug in and their equaliser rejuvenated them. They really need to kick on in the league now and they cannot afford too many more dropped points at home like last week.
Standing in their way are an Everton side who started the season fantastically under Rafa Benitez. The one blip was a heavy defeat also against Aston Villa.
The sides met in a pre-season friendly at the start of August and United won 4-0, but a lot seems to have changed since then. Not least are the injuries bedeviling both sides.
United will be without Harry Maguire and almost certainly Luke Shaw, with Everton missing Seamus Coleman, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
How the bookies view it
United are warm favourites and will be on the accas all right. They are 27/50 with Novibet. Everton can be backed at 34/5 with SBK and the draw is 7/2 with William Hill.
Recent head to head
Their last meeting in the league finished in an entertaining 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, as can be seen below. United won 3-1 at Goodison Park last season.
Everton's last win here was in 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB6wp07_4RU
Players to watch
Edinson Cavani made a big difference to United when he came on in midweek. He's a class act who could well get the nod to start here and has ten goals in 15 league starts for United. He's 13/10 to score anytime.
Andros Townsend has a handy knack of scoring big goals for Everton and has already got four this season. He also takes the penalties. He's 15/2 to score here with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
United look miles too short here. That last gasp Ronaldo winner can't cover up the problems that seem to have beset them at the moment and they were horrendous defensively in midweek.
Everton will have a go here and are certainly capable of scoring at least once. Everton are around 8/11 to score, but that rises to evens to net before the 79th minute with bet365.
And the insurance of Everton and a draw double chance at 9/5 with 10Bet is too good to ignore given United's frailties at the back.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton will be played on Oct 2, 2021 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Everton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Btts and 1+ each card 1.6/1