24 November 2023 , 13:04
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Paul Merson has said he'd be surprised if Manchester United manage to overcome a "mind-blowing" Goodison Park atmosphere to beat Everton on Sunday.
It comes after the Toffees were hit with a 10-point deduction last week for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules. The punishment has moved Everton down from 14th and into the relegation zone, level on points with 20th-place Burnley at the foot of the table.
In protest, Everton supporters' group, The 1878s, will hand out " Premier League corrupt" placards outside the stadium. There will be flags and banners in both the Gwladys Street End and Park End, with one reading: "Where there is power, money and greed, there is corruption."
There is expected to be a hostile welcome for Erik ten Hag's United and Merson doesn't see Everton losing the match. Before the international break, Sean Dyche's side were on an excellent run, having won three of their last five top-flight matches, including a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace on November 11.
"The atmosphere at Goodison Park will be mind-blowing this Sunday. After what happened with Everton's point deduction, the fans are going to be up for this one," Merson told Sportskeeda. "I don't see Everton losing this game. It's us against the world as far as Sean Dyche's men are concerned and Goodison Park will be rocking.
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"Manchester United will be up against a team determined to prove everyone wrong. I'd actually be shocked if Everton got beaten in this one. Everton players work hard for each other and that is something we can't really say about the Red Devils at this point in time."
Merson then went on to predict a 2-1 victory for Everton. That would move the Toffees outside the bottom three if Luton fail to beat Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Hatters sit two points ahead of Dyche's side but have a much worse goal difference.
Everton face Manchester United at Goodison Park on Sunday (Getty Images)Will Everton beat Manchester United on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
Meanwhile, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has backed Everton to beat United 3-0. It's safe to say Roy Keane didn't agree with that verdict as both disagreed while speaking on the Stick to Football podcast.
"The atmosphere won't turn them into f*****g into Barcelona! It’s still the same players," Keane said. Wright added: "This Everton side with how they are going to feel against this United side, I fancy them. I'd go 3-1, no, 3-0 Everton."
Keane replied: "If United score the first goal they will be booing them. Everton are down and everyone thinks that because they have had bad news they will turn up and be like Barcelona. At home they are still a bit dodgy."