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Premier League Preview: Relegation-threatened Everton host top four aspirants Man Utd

One of the biggest fixtures of English football, Everton and Manchester United will go spearheading one another in a tense and nervous Goodison Park as Manchester United might make their final appearance at the iconic venue, as Everton threaten relegation and United try to get into the Champions League. 

A win might be the biggest win of the season for either side, while a draw will be an unpleasant scenario for either of these teams, provided their nasty and perilous situation in the Premier League table.

Everton vs Manchester United: Head to Head Record

The teams share an astonishing rivalry which comprises 29 league titles, but Everton's recent struggles mean this fixture is in danger of not getting contested next season if the blue side of Merseyside faces relegation. 

In 59 Premier League games, Everton remains one of the most coveted sides United have faced. The Red Devils have won 37 times against the Toffees while 17 of these have come at the iconic Goodison Park. 

Everton have won nine times against United, with seven of those on the home patch. A 10th win will be a welcome addition as Frank Lampard's side search for a desperate win in their bid to avoid relegation.

Player analysis: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Richarlison

Cristiano Ronaldo has been in great personal nick of form but has found it hard to transform individual form into team form. So far Ronaldo has scored 12 Premier League goals and three assists. 

Ronaldo's overall play has been superb but lacked the support of sorts with the absence of a proper No.9, his passing ability also has been superb and recently scored a hat-trick against Spurs in the top four battle. 

The Portuguese legend will be a huge difference-maker at the end of the season if United are to play Champions League football next season.

Richarlison is another player who has failed to replicate his individual form into team form. Six goals and four assists is low compared to his recent years, but the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has meant that he has lacked the finishing product in the final third. 

Richarlison has also contributed to the national setup but has failed to do so with the club. His passing game will be important as he provides the width necessary to the strikers, like Ronaldo, for Everton, Richarlison's form will be important if Everton are to avoid the drop at the end of the season.

Huge fixture for both clubs

While Manchester United are in search of desperate points to keep their top-four hopes alive, the same could be said for Everton as the bottom of four would do it for them. 

It's hard to argue that, while Liverpool are chasing an improbable quadruple (four trophies in the same season) their two arch-rivals are finding it tough to go in the current season. 

The prospect of Everton's 68-year stay in the top flight is in danger so there will be tension around the Goodison Park as only Arsenal have stayed longer in the top flight than the Toffees.

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Manchester United

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