Image copyright: Getty Images
2022/23 English Premier League
Matchday 30
Manchester United v Everton
Old Trafford
Manchester, England
Saturday, 8 April 2023
Kick-off is at 09h30
Manchester United will target a return to winning ways in the
Premier League when they welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Saturday, April 8 in the lunch-time kick-off.
The Red Devils slipped to fourth in the standings following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James' Park last Sunday, which saw the Magpies climb above them on goal difference.
Third is best either of them can hope for as they trail Manchester City by 14 points, while the gap to league leaders Arsenal stands at a massive 22 points.
Erik ten Hag's side have now failed to win or score in their last three games and they're in danger of dropping out of the UEFA Champions League places, with Tottenham only a point behind ahead of their trip to Goodison Park on Monday, April 3.
The Toffees appear to be making progress under Sean Dyche after holding Chelsea to a 2-2 draw in London prior to the international break on March 18.
It was their fifth point in three outings, having beaten Brentford 1-0 the previous weekend and playing out to another 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest prior to that.
However, the Merseysiders remain entrenched in the relegation zone, where they occupy 18th position, although they are level with Leeds (17th) on 26 points and just one adrift of Bournemouth (16th), Forest (15th) and West Ham (15th).
United will be hoping that Marcus Rashford can lift them out of their current funk, with the forward having been in a rich vein of form ahead of the 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool on March 5. The England international had scored six goals in the previous five games and 10 in the last 10.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Alex Iwobi has been one of Everton's best performers this season, with the attacking midfielder providing a creative spark for his team-mates. The Nigeria international has only scored once in 28 appearances but he leads the team for assists with seven and could cause United a few problems this weekend.
In team news, the hosts continue to be without Donny van de Beek (knee), Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho (both ankle), while Casemiro is suspended. Dyche has an almost fully-fit squad at his disposal, with just Andros Townsend (knee) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh) unavailable for selection.
Ten Hag insists his players need to show a greater desire to finish in the top four after failing to match the Toon on Tyneside.
"I said after the game in the dressing room, 'It can't be that the opponent is angrier than we are'," the Dutchman told BBC Radio Five Live.
"The race for the top four is going to be a fight, and you can only win that when you match the desire and passion of the opponent.
"Setbacks always you have to deal with, we have to leave this behind and only take the lessons from the determination, about the passion and desire."
Dyche is starting to find a balance between defence and attack since his arrival on Merseyside and believes they are showing signs of delivering "effective football".
"The [attacking] stats have improved since we've been here on some of the markers you want - getting bodies in the box, getting better quality into the box, better quality of chances and different scorers," he said.
"Effective football is what I want from the team and we're showing good signs of that. I think it's fair to say we've had a better defensive structure in the weeks I've been here and now we're just starting to find that balance between that and transitioning into attack.
"There seems to be a better feel to that. It's hard to explain but the transition moment, adapting to it and seeing it early is improving."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man United - 2
Everton - 1
Draws - 2
Matchday 30 fixtures:
Saturday, April 8
11h30: Manchester United v Everton
14h00: Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest
14h00: Brentford v Newcastle United
14h00: Fulham v West Ham United
14h00: Leicester City v Bournemouth
14h00: Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton & Hove Albion
14h00: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea
14h30: Southampton v Manchester City
Sunday, April 9
13h00: Leeds United v Crystal Palace
15h30: Liverpool v Arsenal
Bet on the English Premier League with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.
Betway Casino brings you the action
The Betway Casino lobby is filled with fun games and Aviator does not disappoint. Our casino spoils you with lucky numbers, slot games, live casino games and more, take a break from the sport and become a high roller at our casino.
For all the latest sports betting, casino, online betting news, and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.