Everton vs Manchester United Prediction: Sesko start should bring goals

Manchester United travel to Everton this Monday, February 23, for a Premier League meeting at Hill Dickinson Stadium (20:00GMT, Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event). The Red Devils haven’t been in action for almost two weeks due to a lack of European and FA Cup football. While few fans will thank me for reminding them of that fact, it was a chance for Michael Carrick’s charges to rest up ahead of the run-in.

Everton themselves have had 13 days away and will come into this one looking to continue their own push for continental qualification. Read on for my Everton vs Manchester United predictions.

Team News

Everton defender Jake O’Brien is suspended following his red card against Bournemouth. Nathan Patterson is expected to deputise for the Republic of Ireland international.

Jack Grealish’s stress fracture and subsequent surgery denies the Toffees perhaps their most vital player. The on-loan Manchester City attacking midfielder has been a revelation at Hill Dickinson Stadium, recapturing some of the verve and cheek of his Aston Villa days. 

The injury has put the kibosh on not only Grealish’s Everton participation, but any hope of the player being available for England selection at the 2026 World Cup.

Football Odds

United could welcome back Mason Mount. The former Chelsea midfielder has endured an injury-blighted Old Trafford career, only able to show flashes of brilliance between lengthy spells in the treatment room. But reportedly the Red Devils could have the England playmaker back on Merseyside.

Interim head coach Carrick will have to make do without Matthijs de Ligt. The Netherlands centre-half is progressing well in his recovery from a back problem. But staff are understandably reluctant to force De Ligt back too soon given the nagging nature of the injury. 

Patrick Dorgu’s hamstring injury keeps the reborn winger on the sidelines. The 21-year-old had been a revelation since moving further forward from a mis-cast position at wing-back. But United supporters will have to wait longer to see him tearing down the wing in red and white once more. 

Everton vs Manchester United Odds

The Toffees are marketed at 9/4 to score a home victory. The Red Devils are 19/20 to leave with three sweet points while the draw is 13/5.

Bryan Mbeumo is priced at 7/5 to score any time while Double Chance is 4/5 for either a Draw or Everton win.

Benjamin Sesko to score first @ 9/2

The towering Benjamin Sesko turned heads when United parted with £65m plus add-ons for his signature in the summer. Six games without a goal didn’t help, before an ill-timed injury had salivating social media managers sharpening their ‘Biggest PL Flop’ infographics.

All that was a bit premature, with the jury still out on a forward who has shown flashes of real quality. Two of those have arrived in two of his last three games, where Sesko has stepped off the bench to score important goals.

With a two-week period of integration and a chance to build a rapport with teammates away from match action behind him, the time feels right for Sesko to become a regular starter under Carrick. With that in mind, I’m picking the former RB Leipzig man as first scorer here, after seeing my tip for him to score last against West Ham land.

Both teams to score and Manchester United to win @ 23/10

Neither of these sides are impregnable at the back. Everton’s last four games have all featured goals for both teams. United have also netted and conceded in four of their last five matches.

It is a trend I think will continue. Under Carrick especially, United have been swashbuckling rather than cautious. Everton can take advantage and score. But I think the tenacious Red Devils will win the match.

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