Everton vs Manchester United Prediction, Match Preview, Monday, 23 February

Everton vs Manchester United Prediction, Match Preview, Monday, 23 February. This Premier League clash will take place at Hill Dickinson Stadium and promises an exciting encounter between two of England’s most storied clubs. Everton will look to make the most of their home advantage against a strong Manchester United side, renowned for their attacking prowess and rich league history.

This match is significant as both teams are competing for crucial points in the Premier League standings. Everton, playing on home turf, will aim to disrupt Manchester United’s momentum and climb the table. Meanwhile, Manchester United will be eager to secure victory to strengthen their position and continue their pursuit of the top spots. Fans can expect a competitive and thrilling game under the lights on Monday evening.

Everton vs Manchester United Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals	2.1

Given the recent performances and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, betting on both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 2.10 odds appears to be a solid choice. Everton’s home form and Manchester United’s attacking reinforcements suggest an open game with a high likelihood of goals.

• Everton have scored in 73% of their matches this season, demonstrating their ability to find the net regularly.
• Manchester United concede an average of 1.4 goals per game, highlighting their defensive weaknesses.
• The return of Mason Mount boosts United’s attacking options, increasing the likelihood of goals.

Betting Odds

In this Premier League clash, Manchester United enter as favourites with odds of 1.93. However, Everton, playing at home, should not be underestimated with odds of 3.67, suggesting a potential upset for those backing the underdog.

Betting Tip	Odds
Everton to win	3.67
Draw	3.78
Manchester United to win	1.93

The draw is priced at 3.78, which could be tempting given the competitive nature of these fixtures. Punters may also wish to explore markets such as both teams to score, considering the attacking talent on display.

Everton Analysis & Recent Performance

Everton’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five Premier League matches. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-2 home defeat to Bournemouth, highlighting their struggles at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they have failed to secure a win in their last five home games.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Everton	Bournemouth	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	10 Feb, 2026
Fulham	Everton	1 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	7 Feb, 2026
Brighton	Everton	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	31 Jan, 2026
Everton	Leeds	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	26 Jan, 2026
Aston Villa	Everton	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	18 Jan, 2026

Recent Form:
In terms of performance statistics, Everton have managed to score in all of their last five games, averaging 1.20 goals per match. However, defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.00 goal per game, with only one clean sheet during this period. Their inability to convert home advantage into victories is reflected in a home win ratio of 0.00 across the last five matches.

Team Dynamics:

• LWDDW

Everton’s attack has shown promise with an 80% rate of scoring in games where both teams find the net, but defensive solidity remains a concern. They have conceded in four of their last five matches, indicating a need for improved defensive coordination. Positioned 9th in the league table with 37 points, Everton will look to capitalise on their attacking strengths, led by top scorer Thierno Barry with five goals, to climb the standings.

Everton Suspensions & Injuries

Everton will face Manchester United with some key absences that could affect their tactical setup. Jack Grealish’s broken foot will sideline him until early May 2026, leaving a gap in creativity and attacking options. Grealish’s absence means Everton will need to rely heavily on Iliman Ndiaye to provide creativity in midfield. Meanwhile, Jake O’Brien’s suspension due to a red card leaves a gap in defence. His absence will likely see Nathan Patterson step into defensive duties, aiming to stabilise the backline alongside James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Jake O’Brien	Red card	1	Unknown

These absences may force manager David Moyes to tweak his formation or playing style, focusing more on defensive solidity to counter Manchester United’s attacking threats. With a 4-2-3-1 formation, Everton must ensure their midfield can provide both defensive support and attacking creativity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jack Grealish	Broken foot	Early May 2026

Everton Key Players

Everton’s attacking threat is led by Thierno Barry, the team’s top scorer with five goals this season. His ability to find the net through intelligent runs and clinical finishing makes him a pivotal figure in Everton’s offensive approach. As the lone forward, Barry is tasked with holding up play and exploiting any defensive gaps left by Manchester United.

In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are expected to play crucial roles. Gueye’s experience and defensive skills provide stability, allowing Ndiaye the freedom to push forward and create chances. This midfield partnership is vital for Everton’s tactics, aiming to control the tempo and supply Barry with opportunities. Meanwhile, in defence, James Tarkowski’s leadership and aerial ability will be essential in organising the backline against a strong Manchester United attack.

Expected lineup for Everton:

• Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
• Defence: Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko
• Midfield: James Garner, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Iliman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyrique George
• Forward: Thierno Barry

The strengths of these key players lie in their balance of defensive solidity and attacking flair. Tarkowski’s defensive capabilities, combined with Gueye’s midfield control, provide a solid foundation, while Barry’s goal-scoring instincts ensure Everton remain a constant threat up front. This blend of experience and youthful energy could be crucial to Everton’s success in this high-stakes Premier League clash.

Everton Tactics and Formation

Everton Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Thierno Barry
• Midfield Pivot: James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye
• Defensive Strength: Only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on maintaining possession and utilising wide areas.

Everton’s 4-2-3-1 formation, orchestrated by coach David Moyes, aims to balance attacking threat and defensive stability. The midfield pivot of James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye is crucial, providing defensive cover while enabling transitions from defence to attack. Iliman Ndiaye, playing centrally, links the midfield to the lone striker Thierno Barry.

Defensively, the back four features Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko as full-backs, with James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite as the central pairing. While the setup seeks to provide solidity, recent performances have shown vulnerability, with only one clean sheet in the last five matches.

Offensively, Everton focus on maintaining possession, using the technical abilities of their midfield and wingers, and exploiting wide areas. Despite a lack of home wins recently, their strategy emphasises creating scoring opportunities from the flanks and set-pieces.

Manchester United Analysis & Recent Performance

Manchester United’s recent form has been impressive, with an unbeaten run in their last five matches. This sequence includes four wins and a draw, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability. Notably, they recorded a 3-2 victory against Arsenal away and a convincing 2-0 win over Tottenham at home, underlining their ability to perform against top-tier sides.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
West Ham	Manchester United	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	10 Feb, 2026
Manchester United	Tottenham	2 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	7 Feb, 2026
Manchester United	Fulham	3 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	1 Feb, 2026
Arsenal	Manchester United	2 – 3 (Win)	Premier League	25 Jan, 2026
Manchester United	Manchester City	2 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	17 Jan, 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five matches, Manchester United have averaged 2.20 goals per game while conceding 1.00 on average. Defensively, they have kept two clean sheets, highlighting their ability to maintain solidity at the back. Their attacking threat is further emphasised by scoring in each of these games, with Bryan Mbeumo leading the way with nine goals this season.

Away Performance:

• DWWWW

Despite strong overall form, Manchester United’s away performances have been mixed, with one win, one loss, and three draws in their last five away fixtures. Their away win ratio stands at 0.20, indicating a need for greater consistency on the road. However, their undefeated streak of four away games points to improving away form.

Manchester United Suspensions & Injuries

Manchester United face a few injury concerns ahead of their clash with Everton. Matthijs de Ligt is doubtful due to a back injury, which could disrupt the defensive stability he usually provides. In his absence, Harry Maguire is likely to retain his starting position alongside Lisandro Martínez, requiring him to step up his leadership at the back.

Mason Mount’s knock leaves his participation uncertain, potentially affecting Manchester United’s creative midfield options. Bruno Fernandes will be vital, expected to shoulder playmaking responsibilities. Kobbie Mainoo and Amad may see increased roles to cover for Mount’s possible absence.

Patrick Dorgu’s hamstring injury rules him out until mid-April, though his absence may have minimal immediate impact as he is not a regular starter. Luke Shaw’s presence at left-back will help maintain defensive stability in Dorgu’s absence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Matthijs de Ligt	Back injury	Doubtful
Patrick Dorgu	Hamstring injury	Mid April 2026
Mason Mount	Knock	Doubtful

Manchester United Key Players

Manchester United will rely on the quality of Bryan Mbeumo, their top scorer with nine goals this season. Operating mainly from midfield, Mbeumo’s ability to cut inside and unleash powerful shots makes him a constant threat. His partnership with Bruno Fernandes, another key playmaker, is crucial for creating scoring opportunities. Fernandes’ vision and passing could unlock Everton’s defence, providing chances for Mbeumo and forward Matheus Cunha.

In defence, the pairing of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez offers a solid backbone. Maguire’s aerial strength and Martínez’s tackling will be vital in stopping Everton’s attacking threats. In midfield, Casemiro’s experience and defensive skills offer protection to the backline while allowing creative players to push forward.

• Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
• Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw
• Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo
• Forward: Matheus Cunha

Manchester United Tactics and Formation

Manchester United Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Matheus Cunha
• Midfield Pivot: Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and creative midfield dynamics.

Manchester United’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to dominate possession, with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo forming a robust midfield pivot. This allows United to control the tempo and transition smoothly from defence to attack. Bruno Fernandes acts as the chief playmaker, using his vision to link up with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad on the flanks.

Defensively, the back four of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, and Luke Shaw provides stability and experience. With two clean sheets in their last five matches, Manchester United’s defensive setup under Michael Carrick has shown resilience, though they remain vulnerable to set pieces.

Offensively, United’s approach is characterised by high possession, as demonstrated by their 65% possession in the last match against West Ham. This strategy is complemented by the creative freedom given to Fernandes and the pace of Mbeumo, making them a significant threat in open play.

Everton vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Record

Everton and Manchester United have met 50 times, with United dominating the head-to-head record with 27 wins compared to Everton’s 10, and 14 matches ending in draws. In their most recent meeting, Everton pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in the Premier League, demonstrating their ability to upset the odds.

The last time Everton hosted Manchester United in the Premier League, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. This result highlights Everton’s potential to compete at home, even against a historically stronger opponent like United.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Manchester United	Everton	0 – 1	Premier League	2025-11-24
Manchester United	Everton	2 – 2	Premier League Summer Series	2025-08-03
Everton	Manchester United	2 – 2	Premier League	2025-02-22
Manchester United	Everton	4 – 0	Premier League	2024-12-01
Manchester United	Everton	2 – 0	Premier League	2024-03-09