Manchester United vs. Everton: 10 Bold Predictions as Red Devils Host Toffees

As you look at this match on paper, you can easily forgive Manchester United fans for completely glossing over it and looking forward to next week's battle at Etihad Stadium.

After all, it's Manchester City that's chomping at the Red Devils' heels, not Everton.

But look a little deeper, and you'll realize this won't be a walk in the park for the lads at Old Trafford.

Last time these two teams met, United was coming off a horrendous outing, losing 6-1 to City the week before and embarrassing themselves in Champions League play. Everton came to Old Trafford and would have scratched out a draw if not for a sneaky play from the Little Green Pea in the opening minutes and terrible midfield play.

It's now the end of the season, and both clubs have improved dramatically, with United on top of City in the league standings and Everton riding a four-game unbeaten streak in which they've outscored opponents 10-2.

It's going to be a great match, full of twists, turns and (hopefully) a lot of goals.

With that said, I give you the 10 boldest predictions for Manchester United's rematch with Everton.

Tom Cleverley Will Start in Midfield

This prediction may seem too bold to some, causing many readers to see it and have the same reaction Cleverley does in this picture.

After all, the 22-year-old Cleverley has only made eight appearances for the Red Devils and has just one assist all season.

But many forget just how well he played against Everton when Manchester United traveled to Goodison Park. 

The midfielder dictated the tempo in the center of the pitch before he was replaced by Nani in the 56th minute with a knee strain. He made good decisions all afternoon, and even though he didn't have the assist, he had a big supporting role in Hernandez's goal in the 19th minute.

I predict Ferguson will remember this and give Cleverley his first league start since October 29, coincidentally when the Red Devils played Everton.

Chicharito Will Also Get the Starting Nod...

You can blame injuries, inconsistent opportunities or just plain bad luck, but you can't negate the fact that Javier Hernandez has had a drop in form recently.

The Little Green Pea has has had little to do with Manchester United's success, scoring two goals and assisting on just one other since February 6.

But I predict he'll get the start on Sunday, mainly because of his success earlier in the season when the Red Devils traveled to Everton, but also because Danny Welbeck hasn't shown anything more in his last few appearances.

...Play the Full 90 Minutes...

Here's where things get bold.

Chicharito hasn't played the full 90 minutes of a match since March 18, when Manchester United traveled to Wolverhampton.

Before that, he hadn't played a full match since the Wigan Athletic fixture on December 26.

But he's well rested, and Ferguson will want to put reserves in the game at other positions when the game gets out of reach for Everton (but more on those predictions later).

...and Open the Scoring

Boldest of bold predictions so far!

As I said before, Hernandez has netted just two scores since February 6, and they were both against Wolverhampton.

Whereas Manchester United is chasing a championship, Wolverhampton has looked like they're chasing the nPower Championship League.

But I'm putting my money on Chicharito's repeat of his solid performance in the Red Devils' first Everton match.

Everton Will Make It 1-1 at Halftime

Just because Manchester United is in the lead for the league title doesn't mean that Everton's going to roll over and die.

As was said before, Everton has outscored opponents 10-2 in their last four league matches, and they'll certainly get on the board at Old Trafford.

My prediction is that it'll be after the 35th minute but before the halftime whistle.

Wayne Rooney Will Score in Second Half...

What kind of bold prediction is this?

Manchester United's leading scorer this season will knock in another goal against Everton?

At Old Trafford?

I hear you, which is why I'm saying it'll happen...

...Twice!

Time to put your bold hats on, Red Devils fans, because Rooney's going to show you how he's piled on a tally of goals that currently sits at 193.

Rooney is magnificent at multi-goal performances, recording an astounding nine in all competitions for Manchester United.

Watch out, Toffees fans, because he's going to make it 10 against your beloved Everton.

Antonio Valencia Will Score Final Goal of Match...

Antonio Valencia is earning more and more playing time through his physical play, athleticism and understanding about the game.

He fits well within the squad's current tactics and has ridden a hot streak since the January transfer window closed.

Since January 31, Valencia has scored two goals and assisted on three others.

In Manchester United's first match with Everton, the Ecuadorian midfielder came on as a substitute in the last 20 minutes.

The Red Devils looked more comfortable in possession with him on the field than off.

Valencia will put the game out of reach in the waning minutes of the match.

...on Assist from Nani

Nani's been getting a lot of flak lately, and for the most part he deserves it.

His play at wing has been suspect at best since the transfer window closed, as he's only been in on one Red Devils score since Christmas.

The midfielder will redeem himself (partly) through his setting up of Valencia's late goal.

Everton slowed down considerably toward the latter part of their first match with Manchester United, and Nani will take advantage of that as he comes off the bench late in the game and provides some much-needed speed along the sideline.

Red Devils Will Win 4-1

Will Manchester United get something out of Sunday's match against Everton? Yup.

The Toffees are the Red Devils' toughest opponent in over a month, but they won't drop the game.

Will it be three points? Again, yup.

Everton has dropped six matches away from Goodison Park.

Will the final result be as dominating as 4-1? That's my bold prediction.

These are my predictions for what will happen when Manchester United hosts Everton. Comment, and add your own!