EVERTON will be fuelled by a sense of injustice as they take on Manchester United in their first game since being hit with a 10-point Premier League deduction for a breach of financial rules.
Toffees fans headed into the international break in a positive mood for once after a run of four wins in six games in all competitions for Sean Dyche's rejuvenated side. But then came the devastating news from Premier League HQ that sent them tumbling to second bottom in the table and facing another relegation battle.
Those of an Everton persuasion felt the punishment was too harsh, especially as Manchester City and Chelsea had yet to face any sanctions for alleged breaches of the financial rules, and the club wasted no time in launching an appeal.
With a takeover still in the balance, a new stadium yet to be finished and talk of last season's relegated clubs launching lawsuits against the Toffees, these are uncertain and nervous times for Everton.
The one ray of hope is that Dyche's side are just two points adrift of safety after the whopping deduction, mainly due to the dismal form of promoted sides Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton.
The Everton boss will be confident of leading them away from the drop zone once more and they certainly have a good chance against a Manchester United side who have also found themselves in turmoil this season.
Boss Erik Ten Hag looked to be on the brink during a terrible run that saw the Red Devils lose three Champions League games and crash to successive 3-0 home defeats against Manchester City and Newcastle.
Ten Hag managed to steady the ship by beating Fulham and Luton in the final two league games before the international break but both those 1-0 victories were unconvincing.
All this has happened to a backdrop of fan anger against the Glazer family as a mooted takeover has given way to Jim Ratcliffe buying a minority stake in the club. So both sets of supporters are in desperate need of a pick-me-up heading into this clash at Goodison Park.
How the bookies view it
Despite their poor form, Manchester United are slight favourites for this one at a best 31/20 with SpreadEx. Everton are 15/8 with BetMGM while the draw pays 13/5 at William Hill.
Recent head to head
Manchester United have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, losing just one of the last 10 meetings. All three matches in league and cup ended in victories for Ten Hag's side last season, including a 2-1 win at Goodison on a bad day for me as I drew a blank.
Players to watch
Manchester United still look weak at full-back so Everton wingers Dwight McNeill and Jack Harrison could get a bit of joy. The American is 5/1 (SkyBet) for a goal while McNeill is 7/1 (Unibet) to get on the scoresheet. But I'm more drawn to the 9/2 on offer at Bet365 for a McNeill assist as his dead-ball delivery could be crucial.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up for Ten Hag with the winner against Fulham and also got on the scoresheet for Portugal during the international break as he netted in the win over Iceland. The midfielder is on Manchester United's penalties as well so looks their best bet for a goal here at 10/3 with Bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Everton will be fired up and I'm expecting a fast start as they bid to whip up the crowd. There could be some value in backing the Toffees to win the first corner at 10/11 with William Hill while Everton -1 in the corner handicap also stands a chance at 31/20 with BetVictor.
There's a lot at stake for both sides so we could see a few cards. Abdoulaye Doucoure has been booked in his last two outings and is 9/4 at William Hill to go into the book again. Scott McTominay is also prone to a rash tackle and the Manchester United midfielder is 31/20 at 888Sport to be carded.
I love a stats bet and a couple stand out for this one. McTominay is playing in a more advanced position for United these days and looks great value at 19/10 with BetVictor just to have a shot on target. I also like the 2/1 on offer at SkyBet for his midfield sidekick Fernandes to commit over 1.5 fouls.
This English Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United will be played on Nov 26, 2023 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Everton vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
