Jarrad Branthwaite knows Everton must remain grounded despite their superb form under David Moyes, though the defender wants to maintain the momentum against Manchester United.
Everton have taken 13 points from a possible 18 in the Premier League since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in January.
A gritty 2-1 win at Crystal Palace, with just 13 senior outfielders available, was another string to add to Moyes’ bow as Everton moved onto 30 points.
That leaves them above United, who have taken only 14 points since Ruben Amorim took charge in November, ahead of Saturday’s clash at Goodison Park.
And centre-back Branthwaite, who was mooted as a potential United target last summer, sees no reason why Everton cannot look up the table as they aim to finish the season strongly.
Speaking to Everton’s official website after Saturday’s win at Palace, Branthwaite said: “It’s a brilliant feeling. I’m just buzzing we got the result. Obviously, we didn’t play our best but if you can win games when you’re not playing your best, it’s a good sign.
“I think it shows the momentum we’re building as a team, and I think we’ve just got to keep grounded and keep working hard every day and listen to the manager and see where that takes us.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton
Everton are now unbeaten in five Premier League games, winning four of them. Most importantly, they are now 13 points clear of the relegation zone. pic.twitter.com/2dWgCa9IGy
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) February 15, 2025
“Everyone’s confident. We’ve had tough spells over the season. I think we’ve got to enjoy this now, but we’ve got to remember how it feels.
“We’ve got to keep wanting that feeling after every game, so I think that means working hard every day on the training pitch to give ourselves the best possible chance with every game that comes.”
While United were linked with Branthwaite last year, they ultimately signed another young defender in the form of Leny Yoro, who joined from Lille.
And Yoro believes United are on the right track under Amorim despite their inconsistent results.
“Of course, [that] is good for me,” Yoro told United’s media channels. “This is a good impression, and I need to do what he says on the pitch. I am confident with this, maybe I am not 100% of my capability but I know with time and experience I will be.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Everton – Beto
Beto has scored in each of his last three Premier League appearances – the last Everton player to score in four consecutive games was Richarlison in March 2021, while the last to do so under David was Mikel Arteta in April 2010.
The former Udinese forward has scored four goals in his last three league appearances, as many as he had in his first 44 appearances in the competition. He is averaging a goal every 88 minutes and has a shot conversion rate of 40% under Moyes, compared to a goal every 290 minutes and a 7.4% conversion rate under Dyche.
Manchester United – Joshua Zirkzee
United did beat Everton 4-0 in the reverse fixture in December, with Zirkzee scoring twice in that win.
The Dutchman has not netted in the top flight since then, however, though with Amorim short of options up top, he will be looking for a big performance from the striker.
8 – Manchester United have lost eight of their last 12 Premier League games (W3 D1); since the date of the first game in this spell (Dec 4th v Arsenal), the only sides to lose more matches in the competition are the current bottom two, Leicester (9) and Southampton (10). Rut. pic.twitter.com/NgFR7F0Zog
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 16, 2025
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
Such has been the turnaround in form of these teams, Everton actually head into this meeting as slight favourites, though the Opta supercomputer expects it to be a tight match.
Moyes has won his last two Premier League home games against his former club United, beating them 1-0 and 2-0 with West Ham in May and December 2023. He also won his last home league game against the Red Devils in charge of Everton, beating them 1-0 in August 2012.
United have failed to score in 10 different Premier League games this season, with only Everton (12) doing so more often. It is the joint-most games in which the Red Devils have failed to score in a single season in the competition, along with 2004-05 and 2015-16.
Everton have won four of their last five Premier League games (D1), more than they had in their first 20 (W3 D8 L9). This is the latest into a season they are facing United while above them in the table since their 35th game in 2013-14 (Everton fifth, United seventh).
However, United have won their last two away league games against Everton, winning 2-1 in October 2022 and 3-0 in November 2023. They last won three in a row at Goodison Park in September 2007, while they last kept back-to-back clean sheets at the Toffees in August 1997.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Everton – 38.3%
Man Utd – 33.3%
Draw – 28.4%
