Everton will face off against Manchester United this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 19:30 from Goodison Park, with the match being broadcast on True Premier Football 1 and True Premier Football 2.
Under the stewardship of David Moyes, Everton has been enjoying a resurgence as they prepare to host the struggling Manchester United. The "Toffees" come off a solid performance, having most recently clinched a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace, bringing their total to 30 points and placing them 14th on the Premier League table. With the confidence of their recent results, Moyes emphasized, "We are determined to take all three points at home," underlining the importance of this match for his squad.
Unfortunately for Everton, they will have to cope without several key players due to injuries. The absentees include Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja, and Youssef Chermiti. On the positive side, both Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner are returning to the lineup, providing much-needed depth as they set their defensive tactics. The expected lineup will see Jordan Pickford as the goalkeeper, supported by defenders Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Vitaliy Mykolenko. The midfield is likely to feature Jesper Lindstrøm, Idrissa Gueye, Orel Mangala, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Jack Harrison, with Beto spearheading the attack.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is grappling with severe struggles, currently sitting one place below Everton with 29 points after losing 1-0 to Tottenham. Ruben Amorim, their manager, acknowledged the pressing need for improvement, stating, "We need to get back to winning ways quickly," as his team looks to avoid being dragged closer to the relegation zone.
United's lineup will miss several injured players, including Lisandro Martinez, Ahmad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Johnny Evans. Despite these setbacks, Amorim will rely on players like Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez to maintain their defensive structure. The attacking trio may consist of Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Joshua Sirkzi, who all carry the weight of expectations to reverse the team's fortunes.
Examining their recent head-to-head encounters, Manchester United holds the upper hand over Everton. The last five matches reflect United's dominance, with the most recent game ending 4-0 at Old Trafford on December 1, 2024. Everton hopes home advantage will play to their benefit as they aim for scoring chances early.
Both teams are under pressure, albeit for different reasons. Everton looks to consolidate its league position with hopes of moving higher, motivated by their resilient home crowd. Conversely, Manchester United must regain its momentum to fend off growing criticism and potential league danger. Considering recent performances and team dynamics, observers are predicting a hard-fought contest, with Everton perhaps edging it 1-1 as both teams cautiously eye the coveted three points.
Fans can catch the action and see how this gripping battle will shape the league standings. Will Everton maintain their home advantage, or will Manchester United script a comeback? Tune in this Saturday to find out!