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Everton host Manchester United this weekend with the visitors hoping to recover from their embarrassing defeat last weekend.
As has been much talked about since, United lost 6-1 to local rivals and title challengers Manchester City on a day to forget for the whole club.
There was a comeback of sorts against Aldershot in the Carling Cup on Wednesday – United ran out 3-0 winners – but it is three Premier League points that will help them to move on.
Everton had their own Carling Cup exploits during the week, taking Chelsea to extra time before Daniel Sturridge grabbed the decisive goal for Andre Villas-Boas’ men.
This means they could be tired going into Saturday’s 12pm kick-off, but they will hope to raise their game against the Premier League Champions.
In this fixture last year, Everton managed to grab two late goals to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw and they will hope to get United rattled again like they did on this day.
Goodison Park is an intimidating place for teams to visit of course and it always seems extra special when one of the big teams are in town.
They have only won one of their previous 12 matches against United though, so they will need to upset recent form if they are to pull off a famous victory.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men aren’t exactly in flying form though. Even prior to the hammering against City their were signs that they weren’t at their best, with only two wins in their last six games.
Looking at the team news for this one, Everton captain and former United defender Phil Neville is doubtful, as is Tim Cahill. Both men are carrying slight knocks.
For United, Wayne Rooney, Nani, Ashley Young and Patrice Evra are all set to return after they missed the Carling Cup tie with Aldershot.
Match odds
Despite their indifferent form of late, United are favourites to win this one at odds of 1.80 (4/5) with BetFred. Everton are the outsiders at 5.00 (4/1), while the draw is 3.50 (5/2) with SkyBet.
Correct score
There were six goals when these two teams met at Goodison Park last season and it seems likely that there will be plenty again. United always attack from the first whistle, while Everton will aim to take the game to their opponents in front of an expectant home crowd.
For a repeat of last year’s 3-3 scoreline, you can get odds of 81.00 (80/1) with StanJames, while a 2-2 draw is available at 13.00 (12/1).
If you expect United to show the form of Champions, you can back them to nick it 2-1 at 8.00 (7/1) with Coral. Then, for Everton to get the only goal of the game, you can get odds of 13.00 (12/1) with SportingBet.
First goalscorer
With goals expected, the first goalscorer could be a number of people. However, leading the way is Manchester United’s main man Wayne Rooney who can be backed at 5.00 (4/1) to open the scoring at his former club.
He is followed by Javier Hernandez at 6.00 (5/1), while Everton’s best chance of opening the scoring is Louis Saha. The former United striker is 10.00 (9/1) to score first with Paddy Power
Recommended bets
Manchester United to win 2-1 @ 8.00 (7/1)
Louis Saha to score first @ 10.00 (9/1)
