United’s offensive threats set to overcome hard to crack Toffees
MANCHESTER UNITED’s manager Louis van Gaal was clearly frustrated in his post-match interview last Sunday after he saw his side dominate possession (70%), have more than twice the number of shots (15) than Chelsea and yet still come away with nothing.
However, the Dutchman will have regained his composure and the main aim this season was always to ensure the Red Devils finished in the top four. Sitting third on 65 points gives compelling evidence that the club are still in solid shape as they travel to Goodison Park on Sunday to take on an in-form Everton side.
Roberto Martinez’s outfit have collected an important 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five outings after having had a dismal time in February and March. The club, who finished two places above United last season, will feel they should be much higher than their current position of 12th. The Toffees have dropped 19 points from winning positions so far this season, more than any of their fellow Premier League competitors.
Although Sunday’s visitors’ have a substantial league advantage over their weekend counterparts they will know that this will be no walkover. Everton haven’t lost in front of their home support in their last 10 outings.
Recent encounters highlight that these games are fiercely contested. Just nine goals have been scored in the last five head-to-heads and so a sell of total goals at 2.45 with Sporting Index appeals.
Having netted 12 goals in their last five, the resurgent Red Devils should have enough firepower to see out Martinez’s troops, who have only seven in their last six domestic home games.
The likes of Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Ashley Young have been sparked back into life by van Gaal, helping United score 18 more goals than the Toffees this season. Furthermore, the announcement of Chris Smalling extending his commitment to the club should provide more optimism around what is already a positive camp.
The 2012/2013 champions have lost just two of their last 14 away games in all competitions which helps explain why Betway have made Wayne Rooney and Co. favourites. They are 11/10 to put their Stamford Bridge frustrations behind them and take all three points back to Manchester and at that price should be backed.
■ Pointers…
Sell total goals at 2.45 with Sporting Index
Manchester United at 11/10 with Betway