FA Cup 3rd Round Predictions: United to beat Everton

Cristiano Ronaldo was the difference between the two sides the last time they met in the league, who will decide this FA Cup contest at Old ...

Cristiano Ronaldo was the difference between the two sides the last time they met in the league, who will decide this FA Cup contest at Old Trafford? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Manchester United vs Everton

Old Trafford Stadium

9:00pm

The FA Cup is a different kind of cup game and as the round that concerns top clubs begin on Friday with Everton’s visit to Old Trafford, no one knows exactly what to expect.

The FA Cup is the oldest cup competition and it never ceases to serve upsets and shocks. Anyone can be beaten and no result is impossible. United remains in top form while Everton is the exact opposite but will that have a bearing on the result on Friday night?

Liverpool is the defending champions, beating Chelsea in the final last May, and would want to retain it following a difficult season in the league but will the rest of the clubs across all the leagues in England allow them?

Form has nothing on the FA Cup, Manchester United must be aware of this, and in a season where the pendulum hasn’t stopped swinging, solidifying a top-four finish is one thing, ending the season with silverware is another and Eric Ten Hag won’t pass on any opportunity to make that happen.

Everton has hit rock bottom; the sound of boos from Goodison Park could be heard as far as neighboring cities and it means pressure on Frank Lampard and every Everton player. If there’s a game that can spring them back to life, this is it.

United will do Everton no favors but expect the likes of Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho to get minutes in this game, Everton doesn’t have such luxury but you may want to ask, where does Lampard’s priority lie?

Does the former Chelsea playmaker want to focus on the league and fight for survival or does he see the cup competition as another opportunity to impress? Will the FA Cup be a distraction to his league survival fight or will he consider a chance to win something?

Whatever happens, United remains the favorite and while upset isn’t impossible, Everton will be wise to choose their battle wisely. Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes should be rested while Casemiro should make way for Scott McTominay and Fred but Ten Hag’s ambition will decide that.

Verdict: Straight win United.