Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has predicted Manchester United to beat Everton at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Sunday (October 9).
The Red Devils were hammered 6-3 by cross-town
rivals Manchester City at the Etihad in their
previous league game on October 2. That snapped
their four-match winning streak in the league as
they now sit in sixth place in the standings. United
bounced back with a 3-2 win over Omonia in the
UEFA Europa League in midweek, though.
Everton, meanwhile, are 11th in the standings and
are unbeaten in their last seven games across
competitions, including a goalless draw against
Liverpool. Frank Lampard's side have conceded the
fewest goals (7) in the league so far.
Lawrenson has said that the Toffees would be a
tough team to face, but the Red Devils should
overcome the challenge. In his column for Paddy
Power, he wrote:
"Everton had a good result at Southampton, but we know what happened with Manchester United against City, and Erik ten Hag will have been kicking their a*s all week. I think this will be hectic, and the great thing with Everton is that they’ll give anyone a game at home. It’s a tough place to go, but I’ll go with Man United."
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Manchester United
Erik ten Hag provides injury update ahead of Manchester United's clash against Everton
In his pre-game press conference, Ten Hag
provided updates on Raphael Varane, Harry
Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-
Bissaka's fitness. He said (via Manutd.com):
“Varane has made progress, and I hope he’s available, but I think it will be close. From the other players, Harry Maguire is not (available), and then it’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek, both not.”
Varane picked up an injury in United's defeat against Manchester City. He was replaced by Victor Lindelof in the 40th minute.
His absence will be a big blow for the Red Devils, as the Frenchman has formed a solid partnership with new signing Lisandro Martinez this season. The duo have helped the team win five of six games when starting together, with the only loss coming at City.
Maguire, meanwhile, picked up an injury during England's 3-3 draw against Germany in the UEFA Nations League last month.