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**toffeebrandon** · 08-17-2012, 05:15 AM

Everton V Manchester United Match Thread 20-8-12
Venue: Goodison Park
Final Score: 1-0
Scorers: Fellaini

Opposition News: New signing Robin van Persie could start

Lawrenson Prediction: 0-0
United are on the brink of signing Robin van Persie from Arsenal and they have got Nemanja Vidic fit again. That means that they have two proven world-class players in addition to what they had last season, when they only lost the title on goal difference in the very last minute of the very last game. I think United are title favourites for three reasons - firstly because things will be harder for Manchester City as champions, secondly because United have improved from last year and thirdly because Sir Alex Ferguson just drives them on. Whenever United have finished second in the Premier League, they have always come back and won it the following year - there is a reason for that, and it is an attitude that starts with their manager. They start with a really tough game here, though. Everton will be ready for them and reacting to the fact that in the past they have been labelled slow starters. Is the title a two-horse race? For most of the season, yes. Chelsea and Arsenal will be close at times but ultimately it's between City and United.

My prediction: 1-1
We couldn't start against tougher opposition but, with memories like that drubbing by Arsenal or the shocker last season we must be due a decent opening game performance. I expect us to get trounced stat wise but do enough to hold them with some grit, and with the quality of the goals last season we can get on the score sheet.

**BARCELONA BLUE** · 08-17-2012, 07:53 AM

after evertons dismal pre season everton will do well to keep the score down 0-2 to manure

**1878evertonian** · 08-17-2012, 09:12 AM

Will be happy with anything other than a loss, can see us catching them out as its the first game, heres hoping!

**The Class of a Jag** · 08-17-2012, 10:15 AM

Im hoping with Pienaar and Naismith bedded in early and Jelavic fit to start the season that we will get off to a good start, im going for a 1-1 drawn in this one though.

**OJL** · 08-17-2012, 02:59 PM

(08-17-2012 09:12 AM)1878evertonian Wrote: Will be happy with anything other than a loss, can see us catching them out as its the first game, heres hoping!

This

**Mein blut ist blau** · 08-18-2012, 12:09 PM

Think it'll be an entertainin' game meself - not on the scale of the away game last season, but the same sort of toe-to-toe performance with not as many goals.

Choice of ref couldn't have been much worse (marriner) so that might add to what I hope's a highly intimidatin' atmosphere for them. Fellaini (If he plays) will be a pivotal figure in the game, as he was at their gaff. That is, providin' marriner gives him a bit of leeway.

I'm goin' for a 2-2 draw - with that tw*t marriner bailin' them out.

**1878evertonian** · 08-20-2012, 08:08 PM

Nobody watching???

**aussie-cahill** · 08-20-2012, 08:17 PM

Ive gotten up, under many blankets because it is cold as anything this morning in sydney hahahaha

**1878evertonian** · 08-20-2012, 08:42 PM

I hear ya mate! It's just as bad in Melbourne!

Ossie very close to opening the scoring, pity the shot was straight at the keeper

**aussie-cahill** · 08-20-2012, 08:47 PM

A lot of great chances so far.

Felli, Ossie and peanuts all frightfully close. Oh and the Baines freekick