Everton vs. Manchester United – EPL, November 7, 2020

Both these sides are coming off disappointing defeats but it is the visiting team that seems to be in more of a need to pick up some points quickly.

Manchester United has dropped down the table recently and there are renewed questions surrounding Solskjaer’s ability to manage the club out of its current situation. Everton will be looking to add to the Norwegian manager’s woes on Saturday.

I’m surprised by the way BetOnline has priced this and can only assume that it believes that James Rodriguez will miss this game and that Everton’s early season success has now deserted it.

The draw bet stands out as good value but the home win wager could be worth investigating as well.

Everton was soundly beaten by Newcastle at the weekend and there will now be a rethink by many as to whether Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s early victories were more good fortune than a sign of anything else. What should be remembered though, is the Toffees had a number of players missing and still nearly came away with a point.

The truth is that Everton is not a top four side yet, but is improving. If Rodriguez does return on Saturday he will make a huge difference. Missing out on Richarlison is still a major blow, even if Calvert-Lewin is still scoring goals. But whoever is included in the starting eleven, they will be confident of a win here.

Manchester United’s players might not be quite as sure about coming away from Goodison Park with the points though. The Champions League form of the Red Devils has been outstanding – but there have still been some major question marks about performances in the league.

There seems to be a number of players preferred by Solskjaer who are not really up to the standard required. But with the goals of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, this team must always stand a chance. It does feel as though United needs to play at its very best to do well this year though.

I really don’t understand how the bookmakers can think Manchester United is the favorite here. The league form has been patchy at the very best and a lot will depend on how the club gets on in Istanbul in the Champions League in midweek. Everton doesn’t have that kind of distraction this season and should be able to manage a draw, even with some players missing.