‘I fully expect…’: Merson predicts three-goal affair between Everton and Man Utd in Hill Dickinson clash

Rebecca French

3 months ago

Paul Merson expects Manchester United to continue their excellent form under Michael Carrick when they visit the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.

United fans had to wait 13 days to see the team return to action due to a premature exit from the FA Cup, although this allowed the players more rest and recovery than other top four opponents such as Chelsea (fifth) and Liverpool (sixth).

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This weekend, United take part in Monday Night Football for the umpteenth time this season, where they will be able to find out how the surrounding clubs are doing before kicking off their clash with Everton at 8pm.

Chelsea face Burnley this afternoon, while Liverpool travel to Nottingham Forest, so on paper you’d expect them to take maximum points from their respective competitions.

Everton, meanwhile, have failed to win in three of their last five league games and have talisman Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City ruled out for the remainder of the season.

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Manchester United will be looking to bounce back quickly after losing to relegation-threatened West Ham United. They grabbed a point in the final seconds thanks to Benjamin Cesc’s powerful strike in injury time.

The striker has yet to make a start during Carrick’s tenure so far, so it will be interesting to see if his recent goal return – four in his last five league games – prompts the interim boss to make his first change in three games.

Merson expects the Red Devils to return to winning ways on Merseyside but also expects Everton to find a way past Sene Lamenz.

“The pressure will be on United as they face Chelsea and Liverpool this weekend. I don’t think Everton perform well at home, so at least that will be an advantage for United,” Merson wrote in his SportsKeeda column.

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“I liked that Manchester United didn’t give up against West Ham and got a draw at the end. Michael Carrick took his chances and tried to get back into the game. He gambled like Sir Alex Ferguson and they got a draw in the end. I liked that about him.

“Manchester United will create chances in this game and I fully expect them to score enough to beat Everton.”