Everton vs. Manchester United: Red Devils Cannot Afford to Drop Points Again

After being beaten 6-1 by cross-town rivals Manchester City in their last Premier League game, Manchester United cannot afford to drop any points to Everton on Saturday. 

City currently holds a five point lead over United at the top of the league table, and if they gained points this week they could make it hard for the Red Devils to repeat as champions.

United has some major problems right now that cannot be an issue against Everton. The Red Devils cannot allow multiple goals in short stretches. They are too talented and too experienced of a team to lose focus after conceding a goal.

They also need better play in the center of the midfield. This problem might have to be solved in the January transfer window, but for now United need to be better defensively and not let teams create quality scoring chances at will.

Everton has had a disappointing season thus far and a matchup against an inferior opponent might be exactly what United need right now.

Everton is currently 13th in the league table with 10 points, and have won just once in their past four league games (one win and three losses).

After allowing Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta to leave on transfer deadline day to Arsenal back in August, Everton has not been able to create enough scoring to be able to consistently win games.

Everton has few quality attacking options and are unlikely to bother thy United defense too much. Everton has scored just 10 goals in eight league games, and have allowed 12.

Manchester United must beat Everton on Saturday and take all three points, or the champions will have some major questions to answer as they head into November.