12.2 C
Manchester
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Other SportsEverton v Manchester United: How will Ten Hag's side cope in Goodison...

Everton v Manchester United: How will Ten Hag’s side cope in Goodison cauldron? Preview, expected line-ups and prediction

The State of Play

For all the noise surrounding Manchester United, the fact is they’ve won four of their last five Premier League games. Ten days ago they’d have fancied their chances of extending that record at Goodison Park but Sunday now has a totally different feel about it.

Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaching financial rules, imposed last Friday, has had a galvanising and unifying effect on the Toffees with sporting director Kevin Thelwell claiming it’s added “additional fuel” to their levels of motivation.

Goodison will show what it thinks of the sanction with protests expected but the usually vocal Everton support will crack up the noise even more behind the team to make it a difficult afternoon for Erik ten Hag’s men.

Everton now find themselves second from bottom of the Premier League and in the thick of the relegation dogfight. Their recent form is good, though, with six wins from their last nine games in all competitions.

Sixth-placed United have struggled in difficult circumstances recently – demonstrated by their limp display in the high-octane atmosphere of a Manchester derby and their capitulation at FC Copenhagen following Marcus Rashford’s dismissal. This is another test of character for Ten Hag and his players.

Check out our other sports stories here
Five Premier League talking points this weekend

Guardiola v Klopp – the best bits
Shaw boost for Manchester United

Team News

As with all clubs this weekend, Everton will hope their international contingent return unscathed.

Club captain Seamus Coleman completed 90 minutes for the Under-21s in midweek and could be in contention for his first appearance since May. Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane also played and may be involved.

The situation is less positive for United with a raft of injury concerns for Ten Hag to content with.

Christian Eriksen (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot) and Casemiro (thigh) are definitely out with goalkeeper Andre Onana being assessed after sustaining an injury while away with Cameroon. Jonny Evans (thigh), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (illness), Facundo Pellistri (undisclosed) and Rasmus Hojlund (thigh) are also fighting to be fit.

The good news is England left-back Luke Shaw has returned to training, although this weekend could come too soon.

Expected line-ups

Everton: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Doucoure, Onana, Garner; Harrison, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Reguilon; McTominay, Amrabat, Fernandes; Rashford, Garnacho, Martial

What they said

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the atmosphere expected at Goodison Park
“I’ve played in a lot of games against United at Goodison, and the atmosphere is always incredible. I expect the weekend to be no different, if not more electric.
“I’m sure the fans will be ready. Us as players, we’ll prepare the same as normal and make sure we’re ready to put in a performance and collect the three points.
“I think, given the circumstances, I’ve sensed a lot of unity and togetherness.

Erik ten Hag told beIN Sport about his side’s three upcoming away games, at Everton, Galatasaray and Newcastle
“All games are very important, but our away record this season so far is very good.
“We can take confidence and strong belief into those games.
“But [we need to] go from game to game, the first game is the most important – Everton – and we’re looking forward [to it].”

When and how to watch

The game kicks off at 16:30 UK time on Sunday, and will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR in the UK with coverage beginning at 16:00 as part of Super Sunday.

Prediction

United have shown themselves to be fragile at points this season and a crippling injury list certainly won’t help. Everton are in decent form and the sheer will of the crowd in a hostile Goodison atmosphere will spur them on to a crucial three points.

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.
Latest

K2L Marketing Strengthens Global Footprint with New Offices in Dubai and Illinois

Manchester-based performance marketing agency K2L has announced the opening of two new international offices, one in Dubai and the other in Illinois, USA. This...

Choosing reliable vehicle financing for families in Manchester

When it comes to securing vehicle financing for your family, reliability is essential. Families need to consider the long-term impact of their financial decisions,...

Appy Pie Unveils Snappy 2.5: A Faster, Smarter Website Builder Designed Around User Feedback

Appy Pie has introduced Snappy 2.5, the latest upgrade to its website builder, developed in direct response to long-standing user feedback. This release focuses...

FREESMO Leads the Way with Smarter Smoke-Free Choices Through Trusted Questionnaire

As the smoke-free sector continues to grow and diversify, FREESMO is highlighting the importance of its Smoke-Free Questionnaire – a tried and tested tool...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Top tips for retailers in Manchester to boost sales and stay ahead in fashion accessories

As the fashion accessory market in Manchester grows increasingly competitive, local retailers face the challenge of both capturing customer attention and delivering unique value. Whether...

Acme Posts Best Results in Company’s 60-Year History

The Acme Facilities Group, one of the UK’s longest-established names in commercial kitchens, refrigeration, and air conditioning, has announced the best financial results in...

K2L Marketing Strengthens Global Footprint with New Offices in Dubai and Illinois

Manchester-based performance marketing agency K2L has announced the opening of two new international offices, one in Dubai and the other in Illinois, USA. This...

£1 million health optimisation hub opens near Manchester Airport this month with exclusive treatments from £45

A new £1m high-tech clinic is set to open at Manchester Green on September 18, bringing treatments more often associated with London’s private wellness...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...