Everton and Manchester United are set to clash at Goodison Park this February 22, 2025, as part of the 26th round of the English Premier League. Both teams are currently experiencing contrasting fortunes, as Everton rides high on recent successes under the management of David Moyes, whereas United struggles at the lower end of the table.
After finding themselves near the relegation zone just weeks ago, Everton has surged to 14th place, securing 30 points from their matches. The Toffees have gained 13 points from their last six games, including four victories, making their climb remarkable. Their recent 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace is particularly noteworthy, showcasing their newfound scoring ability, with Beto shining brightly as he has netted four goals across his last three matches.
The influence of Moyes cannot be overstated; he returned to the club and has revitalized the team, leading them to performances reflective of his earlier success. The team has become more offensive, scoring 12 goals across their last five matches compared to 16 goals throughout the previous 16 games. Yet, this transformation has not come without its struggles, as injuries to key players are dampening spirits. Notably, forwards like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Iliman Ndiaye remain sidelined, impacting their attacking options.
On the other side of the pitch, Manchester United finds itself mired in disarray under Ruben Amorim, who has faced mounting pressure due to the team's dismal run, now recording 12 losses already this season— the worst since 1974. Their most recent defeat, 0-1 to Tottenham, reflects their struggles to make quality chances, evidenced by their alarming conversion rate of just 8.4%, the second-worst figure in the league.
United's injury woes also plague them, as key players like Amad Diallo have been ruled out for the season, complicate Amorim's recovery efforts. Despite recent returns from injury for Christian Eriksen and Manuel Ugarte which might bolster their midfield, the side still grapples with fielding a coherent starting eleven. The absence of defensive players like Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw has left them vulnerable at the back, which could be exploited by Everton's resurgent attack.
Funding their current performance is also the enormous pressure on United to turn results around quickly as they face the historical rivalries with Everton looming large after the Toffees have shown significant improvement. With their confidence soaring and creative expressions returning under Moyes, Everton appears to have the upper hand. Having not beaten United since early 2021, they are eager to change their fortunes.
The stakes for both teams are high. For Everton, the opportunity to leapfrog closer to mid-table competitiveness pushes them to fight even harder. Meanwhile, Manchester United must extract points to avoid sliding toward the relegation concerns currently weighing heavily on their season's aspirations. Although the first leg of the season concluded with the teams drawing 1-1, the upcoming match at Goodison Park is expected to be tightly contested, with Everton likely leaning on their attacking momentum against United's deficiencies.
Match previews hint at Everton possibly retaining their starting formation of 4-2-3-1, featuring Jordan Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mikholenko; Gayé, Garner; Linstrom, Harrison; and Beto. Alternatively, United may opt for their 4-2-3-1 alignment with Onana and their defensive reinforcements, though they need to hope their recent additions stabilize their performance.
With statistics showing Everton has often been reliant on solid defensive structures and United’s frail counterattacks, this match promises to be one of significant intent on both sides. Bookmakers have identified Everton as slight favors due to their current form. Nonetheless, can they overcome the historical odds against Manchester United? Fans and commentators alike will be eagerly watching what transpires.