United look to underline title challenge as Everton visit
Last time out
By Chris O'Brien
February 5 2021
Following the nine-goal demolition of Southampton mid-week, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United will look to secure a league double over Everton as the Toffees visit Goodison Park on Saturday night.
The Merseyside club visit Old Trafford for an 8pm kick-off on Saturday evening, with the Red Devils brimming with confidence after the 9-0 thumping of the sorry Saints on Tuesday.
United in fine form
United in fine form
Solskjaer's side head into the weekend sitting second in the Premier League table; three points behind cross-city rivals City having played one game more.
Joyously, the Red Devils are in a rich vein of form - despite the recent blip at home to Sheffield United - and have lost only two games from their last 16 outings.
The mood and climate is somewhat different to when United last faced Everton in early November, when a 3-1 win saw United climb to 14th in the table after a challenging start to the new domestic campaign.
Cavani fitness doubt
Cavani fitness doubt
United are waiting on the fitness of frontman Edinson Cavani ahead of the game, as the Uruguayan nurses an ankle problem picked up during the win against Southampton.
Paul Pogba was rested during the week amid a hectic schedule and will be hoping to make an Old Trafford return for the visit of Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Underdogs Everton strong on the road
Everton are sniffing around the Champions League spots, currently sitting four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, but with two pivotal games in hand.
The Blues, ever-present in the top-flight since the onset of the Premier League, have amassed an impressive four wins on the road on the bounce, and could welcome England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford back into the team.
The Blues, ever-present in the top-flight since the onset of the Premier League, have amassed an impressive four wins on the road on the bounce, and could welcome England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford back into the team.
United - despite Everton's impressive away run and league placing - are comfortable favourites with the bookmakers at 5/9, with the away win priced up at 11/2 and the draw at 17/5.
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have slipped up in recent days, and Saturday's game offers an opportunity for United to reaffirm their title-challenging credentials, while Everton will want to underline their European intentions. City, who look the team to beat right now, face a trip to Anfield on Sunday - where Liverpool haven't won all year (!) - so it could be an important weekend at the top end of the table.
C'mon United.
C'mon United.