Everton host Manchester United on Sunday, with both of these teams looking to forget about what has been a pretty dismal conclusion to the transfer window for the respective clubs.
On deadline day, Everton supporters were left dumbfounded in their efforts to sign a centre forward, following the departure of Beto. The Toffees saw their efforts to sign Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee thwarted, and their pursuit of AS Monaco's Folarin Balogun culminated in the American striker staying put in France, after being at Everton's training ground. The Toffees did sign Jack Grealish and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, but David Moyes now has a significantly weaker squad given the departure of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City.
As for Manchester United, whilst their midfield rebuild of Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos is considered to be shrewd, the Red Devils missed out on securing a left back and another option for Benjamin Sesko up front. Manchester United are still left with a squad that might not be adequate enough to deal with the demands of multiple competitions.
The Toffees head into this game with no defeats in their previous five matches, following their last-minute efforts against AFC Bournemouth, which saw James Tarkowski. At home, Everton have found mixed fortunes at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with two wins from their last five matches at home and three wins in their last eight on home soil dating back to last season.
With the striking options now depleted, following the sale of Beto and the failed capture of Folarin Balogun, Thierno Barry is the only senior striker David Moyes has at his disposal. Barry has started the season in fine form, with four goals in three matches, and he could find himself with opportunities against a Manchester United side that has not kept a clean sheet in six matches.
The Red Devils were shaky in parts against Ipswich Town but still recorded a 5-2 win against the Tractor Boys, and key to this was Bruno Fernandes, who we are tipping to be the difference-maker in this fixture. The Manchester United captain was sensational in United's win with a hat-trick on display, as well as an assist.
The BTTS market has landed in five of the last seven matches involving Everton and in five of the last six matches involving Manchester United.
So, with both sides scoring and conceding at both ends of the pitch, we are tipping Manchester United to win here. The Red Devils looked better against Ipswich and could capitalise on any growing concerns surrounding Everton.
Everton 2-3 Man United
