Everton: Chris Sutton predicts result of Toffees’ clash with Man Unite
Chris Sutton predicts result of Everton showdown v Manchester United for BBC Sport
Chris Sutton has predicted that Everton will make it four wins on the spin in all competitions when they face Manchester United on Sunday 26 November.
The BBC Sport pundit believes that the Toffees will bounce back from the news of their 10-point deduction and feed from the atmosphere created by the home crowd at Goodison Park, predicting Sean Dyche’s side will win 2-1.
Manchester United have won their last two matches in the Premier League but have been criticised for their start to the season, while Everton have seen their excellent start undone by their point deduction and Sutton believes the occasion could impact both sides.
Writing in his BBC Sport Premier League predictions (23 November) he said: “Everton are in a relegation battle now, but I still think they will be good enough to stay up.
“There is a lot of talk about how their points deduction will galvanise the whole club but I think there is a chance the occasion could suit Manchester United because there is going to be a powder keg atmosphere at Goodison Park on Sunday.
“There is the risk that Everton’s players could get over-excited, and they need to keep 11 players on the field. I am sure that will be the message from their manager Sean Dyche too and, if they manage that, Everton have a very good chance of winning this game. Their recent form has been very good.
“I have got a sneaky feeling they [United] will benefit from all the fervour around Everton at the moment and somehow find a way of winning this game too, but I believe in fairytales, which is why I am going with an Everton victory.
“Goodison will be absolutely bouncing if I am right.”
Fairytales
Goodison Park will be rocking from minute one on Sunday as the Everton fanbase attempts to get behind the squad after a week of adversity, but as Sutton has suggested, that could be equally as damaging as it is beneficial to the players.
Dyche is a very level-headed coach and he has united this side through thick and thin since he arrived on Merseyside. If anyone is likely to ensure that the Toffees focus on the match at hand rather than the occasion it is him.
Manchester United have been indifferent for much of the campaign so far and Everton should fancy their chances of coming away with all three points. They’ve shown they can be a midtable side in recent weeks, now they just have to get back there.
If nothing else it would be great to see the supporters inside Goodison to get something to cheer about after a miserable few weeks. Hopefully, Sutton’s fairytale comes true and the blue half of Merseyside will be bouncing on Sunday afternoon.
