Everton host Manchester United this coming Sunday, and while both clubs have stalled in league form, it is the Toffees who will come into the match with a number of factors in their favour that could allow them to push ahead of the Red Devils in the Premier League standings.
Both sides have seen their points haul dry out in the recent weeks. Manchester United have drawn three of their previous four league matches and struggled for goals, while Everton have only won one of their previous eight matches after an impressive start to the season. But while Everton’s weakness as of late has been poor defence, that should prove less of a hindrance against a Manchester United side that has developed a knack for non-clinical finishing.
Despite averaging the fourth most shots on target per match (via WhoScored), Manchester United only average 1.4 goals per match, not enough to secure a victory if the opposition manages a single goal. In the past two months alone, the Red Devils have drawn 1-1 against Stoke, 0-0 against Liverpool, 0-0 against Burnley, 1-1 against Arsenal and most recently 1-1 against West Ham last Sunday.
Manchester United’s players are well aware of this problem. Speaking after the match, midfielder Ander Herrera echoed the frustration of his teammates and supporters, stating, “We’re playing so well; we’re creating a lot of chances and a lot of shots, moving the ball from side to side and crossing – I don’t know what we have to do to win a game. I don’t know what I can say to our fans, either, because it’s frustrating for us.”
With their own issues the other side of the pitch, Everton’s folly as of late has been a disorganized and unfocused defence. Per WhoScored, Everton force the third fewest interceptions per match and commit a staggering 12.3 fouls per match. Discipline wise, Everton have accumulated 30 yellow cards, the joint-fifth most in the league. Former Everton defender Michael Ball lambasted the Toffee’s defending following a 1-0 loss to Southampton last weekend, writing in the Liverpool Echo, “The Mannequin Challenge is all the rage at the moment, and it looked like we were determined to have a go at it at St Mary’s.”
Manchester United present Everton with an opportunity to finally take advantage of a side that has struggled to finish its chances. The Toffee’s defence will finally earn a brief respite against a relatively toothless attack, giving Ronald Koeman’s men the chance to put the focus back on their own talented forward line led by Romelu Lukaku. The imposing Belgian is the Premier League’s fourth highest scorer, and he will look to take advantage of a rotating Manchester United defence that has struggled following an injury to centre back Eric Bailly.
With a win, Everton will surpass Manchester United in the league table and put another black mark on Jose Mourinho’s disappointing season. The enigmatic manager may even face a touchline ban for his side’s visit to Goodison Park following a dismissal and improper conduct charge after the West Ham draw, another factor that can improve Everton’s chances this weekend.
Following his side’s loss to Southampton, Koeman painted a frustrated figure, stating, “I’m not worried about results, I’m worried about what I see on the pitch.” Heading into the Manchester United fixture, however, the Dutch manager can worry a little less.