Manchester United appeared to be on the verge of turning their season around before back-to-back draws took some wind out of their sails.
Following an erratic six-game start in the Premier League, Ruben Amorim’s men have hit the ground running, winning three league games on the trot to reignite their top-four hopes.
However, consecutive 2-2 stalemates against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur have thrown a spanner in the works, leaving United a point adrift of fourth-placed Sunderland during the international break.
November’s hiatus from club football came at an opportune moment for the Red Devils, giving them some extra time to bounce back ahead of Everton’s visit to Old Trafford.
Despite the Toffees’ decent start to the season, this fixture has all the makings of a must-win affair for Man Utd if they’re to stay within striking distance of the top four.
If you look at this summer’s EPL done deals, United were expected to mount a strong challenge for the top four based on their recruitment, and the current form attests to it. And according to the world’s leading bookmakers, Amorim’s charges are still the fifth favourites to clinch a coveted Champions League qualification via a league finish.
At 3.00, they’re well behind the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool in the race, but still firmly in contention if they can regain momentum after the break.
Between now and the end of the calendar year, Man Utd will contest eight upcoming Premier League fixtures, heading into each as, at minimum, slight favourites.
Everton (H) – November 24
As aforementioned, United will take on Everton in their first post-international break outing, with Amorim unable to call upon marquee summer signing Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko could spend the rest of the calendar year on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury while on international duty with Slovenia, reports The Athletic.
Despite the 22-year-old’s absence, Man Utd cannot afford to drop points against a side they’ve beaten in their last three league meetings at Old Trafford without conceding.
Prediction: Win
Crystal Palace (A) – November 30
United’s last game in November is a tricky one as they head to London to face off against the reigning FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace.
Selhurst Park has recently been a bogey ground for the Red Devils, as they’ve failed to claim three points at this venue on their last five visits, ominously drawing four blanks in the process.
Prediction: Draw
West Ham United (H) – December 4
Seeking revenge for last season’s 2-0 defeat in this fixture, Amorim’s side can bank on West Ham’s underwhelming travelling record this term (W1, D1, L3).
However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team showed signs of progress right before the break, winning two consecutive games for the first time since February.
Regardless of West Ham’s mini-revival, this should be three points in the bag for United.
Prediction: Win
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) – December 8
Wolves appointed Rob Edwards as their new manager during the break, tasking him with salvaging the club’s faint hopes of avoiding relegation amid a dreadful start to the season.
Nailed to the bottom of the table, Wolves remain the only Premier League side yet to taste victory this term (D2, L9), suggesting Man Utd could settle the score after slumping to a 2-0 defeat at Molineux last season.
Prediction: Win
Bournemouth (H) – December 15
Bournemouth’s visit to the Theatre of Dreams promises to put United’s top-four credentials under a much sterner test, with the Cherries vying for European qualification themselves.
A four-game winless run in this match-up (D2, L2) doesn’t bode well for Man Utd’s hopes of avenging last season’s 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, yet there’s little room for missteps this time.
Prediction: Draw
Aston Villa (A) – December 21
If Man Utd are to drop points between now and the end of the year, it’s most likely to happen at Villa Park, where they only triumphed once in their last four league encounters against Aston Villa (D2, L1).
Villa’s formidable six-game winning streak in Birmingham adds to this sentiment.
Prediction: Loss
Newcastle United (H) – December 26
Another tough assignment awaits on Boxing Day as Newcastle arrive at Old Trafford, seeking redemption for a disappointing run of form at the beginning of the campaign.
Battles of multiple fronts are taking a toll on Eddie Howe’s side, potentially presenting Man Utd with a perfect opportunity to claim a morale-boosting victory.
Prediction: Win
Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) – December 30
Wolves’ visit to Manchester should be another day in the office for Amorim’s side. Otherwise, they would only cast further doubt on their top-four ambitions.
There will be no margin for error here.
Prediction: Win
