Sunday’s Premier League Tips: Liverpool and Man United can share the spoils

There is a big game at either end of the Premier League table to look forward to on Sunday, and Greg Lea has previewed the crunch clashes in Nottingham and Liverpool. 

Nottingham Forest v Everton

Kick-off: 2pm Sunday 

The last week has underlined the scale of the challenge facing Sean Dyche. After beginning his Everton tenure with a fantastic 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Goodison Park, Dyche watched his team get dismantled 4-0 by the same opponents on Wednesday night.

Everton looked organised and disciplined in the opening half-hour, but they fell apart at the first sign of adversity. It was a disappointing - if expected - outcome. Less anticipated was the 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa at the weekend, which saw Everton drop back into the bottom three.

That is where they will remain until at least Sunday, and this will not be an easy game for Dyche’s side. Everton have a dismal away record this term having won just one game at opposition grounds, and only Forest have scored fewer goals on the road.

Steve Cooper’s side is a much stronger proposition when they play on home turf. They have collected 76% of their 25 points at the City Ground, where they have avoided defeat for eight consecutive matches that stretches back to the middle of September.

That string of good results in front of their own fans has boosted Forest’s survival chances. They head into the weekend up in 13th place, although the congested nature of the bottom half means they are only four points clear of the drop zone. 

Forest have the chance to extend that gap on Sunday. Everton have scored just two goals in Dyche’s five games at the helm, and this could be another frustrating afternoon away from Goodison Park for the beleaguered Blues. 

Prediction: Nottingham Forest to win @ 2.78

Liverpool v Manchester United 

Kick-off: 4.30pm Sunday 

Manchester United kick-started their season with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in August. The Red Devils headed into that game on the back of two defeats from their first two matches, which included a remarkable 4-0 demolition by Brentford. Another defeat would have plunged United even deeper into crisis. 

Instead, Erik ten Hag’s team deservedly came out on top - and they have continued their rise up the table since then. The Premier League title will probably be out of reach, but the fact that United are even being spoken about as contenders is a mark of progress.

Liverpool, for their part, have endured a disappointing season. However, a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers during the week moved them to within six points of the top four. The Reds have underachieved in 2022/23, but they still have something to play for in the form of Champions League qualification.

United are on a much better run than their arch-rivals, but Anfield is still a tough place to go - the Reds have lost just once at home this season. Moreover, you have to go back over seven years to find the last time United got the better of Liverpool on their patch.

Jurgen Klopp’s side has looked sluggish and lethargic of late, but the sheer magnitude of this fixture means Liverpool will play with energy and intensity. United are very tough to beat right now, with just one defeat in their last 22 outings in all competitions, so backing a draw looks the way to go.

Prediction: Draw @ 3.75

Sunday’s Premier League Tips

Nottingham Forest v Everton: Nottingham Forest to win @ 2.78
Liverpool v Man Utd: Draw @ 3.75