Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds – Scrappy Everton takes point off Rooney, United

Everton’s online betting odds would obviously be better if they had not sold Wayne Rooney to Manchester United in 2004, but there’s no way they would have been able to hold on to Rooney for much longer. Rooney returns to Goodison Park with Man United when they face Everton, who are one of the best home teams in England and have beaten some great teams lately, and that confidence will spark them to a draw.

The Storyline: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Man United is coming off a 3-2 win at AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, and are now unbeaten in eight straight matches overall, although they could only manage a 1-1 at Aston Villa last Wednesday. Everton sit two points behind Birmingham in ninth place, and they followed up a tough derby loss at rival Everton with a 2-1 upset of leaders Chelsea at home, which did United a favor as they’re one point behind Chelsea in the Premiership table. Everton, who also beat Sporting Lisbon 2-1 at home in the Europa League on Wednesday, has seven losses and a pair of draws in their last 10 against Man United.

Offensive Matchups: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Wayne Rooney added two more goals to his haul with a brace in Milan, and he now has nine in his last six matches. Rooney, who was raised in the Everton academy from age 10, is earning plaudits as the best player in Europe right now, which is surely going to help England’s cause in South Africa this summer. They’ve lost Ryan Giggs and his passing vision because of an arm injury, but they can get by. The key is Rooney, and if you can contain him, you can hurt Man United.
Louis Saha had a very unmemorable stint at Man United before he was sold to Everton, and he’s played well lately, scoring a pair against Chelsea (although he also missed a penalty), and he’s formed a good partnership with midfielder Tim Cahill, whose heading prowess always gives Everton a chance from set pieces.

Betting Edge: Man United

Defensive Matchups: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Man United’s defensive frailties were exposed by Milan, as Nemanja Vidic is still hurt, and Owen Hargreaves is no closer to getting on the pitch. New England captain Rio Ferdinand is still out serving the final game of his league suspension, which will probably leave for a central pairing of Wes Brown and Jonny Evans, who had a terrible game in Milan.
Everton will miss the strength of Marouane Fellaini in the middle of the park, as he was injured for the season against Liverpool. Sylvain Distin has been hit-and-miss since coming to Goodison Park, scoring a goal against Sporting Lisbon, and then causing the penalty that gave Sporting a lifeline while getting sent off along the way. Phil Jagielka has been out since last April and hopes to be training in the next week.

Betting Edge: Draw

Notable Injuries: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Vidic (leg) is getting closer to being match fit, but Giggs (arm) is out, along with long-term injuries John O’Shea (thigh) and Hargreaves (knee). Then there’s also the suspended Ferdinand.
Cahill (calf) should suit up for this match, while Phil Senderos (back) could also be available for selection. Victor Anichebe (back) is questionable, while Fellaini (ankle), Jagielka (knee) and Tony Hibbert (groin) are out.

Betting Edge: Draw

Totals: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Six of the last 10 meetings have gone under in your sportsbook, but the last meeting was a 3-0 win for Man United at Old Trafford, and Rooney has been in amazing form lately. You know he’d love nothing better than to score in front of the fans that will surely be giving him the business all match long. Man United’s shaky defense doesn’t offer much encouragement, either.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Given Man United’s record against Everton lately, it’s easy to see why they’re favored on the road. But Everton has been on fire at Goodison Park lately, winning four of their last five against teams like Manchester City, Sporting Lisbon and Chelsea, so they won’t be intimidated by the Red Devils. Both defenses are inconsistent and banged up, which will lead to scoring chances, but Everton’s fans will spur them on to earn a point.

Todd’s Pick: Draw +235

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