'I'd actually be shocked' - Paul Merson makes prediction ahead of Manchester United vs Everton

Paul Merson is predicting a “mind-blowing atmosphere” at Goodison Park on Sunday, admitting he does not see Manchester United walking away with a win.

A number of Everton fans have planned protests for the match, with the fixture being the club’s first since the 10-point deduction was sanctioned by the Premier League for financial breaches.

Ten Hag - banned from the touchline for accumulating three bookings - has already acknowledged that the penalty will only add “fuel” to Everton’s drive for a win, although warned the hosts that their fury could also work against them.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag addresses Raphael Varane's future

READ MORE: Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana injury updates

However, Merson says the charged emotion within Goodison will mean the visitors face an extremely difficult task, perhaps making Everton the favourites. "The atmosphere at Goodison Park will be mind-blowing this Sunday,” he told Sportskeeda.

“After what happened with Everton's point deduction, the fans are going to be up for this one. I don't see Everton losing this game. It's us against the world as far as Sean Dyche's men are concerned and Goodison Park will be rocking.

"Manchester United will be up against a team determined to prove everyone wrong. I'd actually be shocked if Everton got beaten in this one. Everton players work hard for each other and that is something we can't really say about the Red Devils at this point in time."

Speaking on Everton’s deduction ahead of this weekend’s clash, Ten Hag told reporters: “It's always about us. I can see the opposition, I can see they are mad. Finally, it's about us.

"If they are mad, that's their fuel, we have to match those standards. If we match the standards we have a very good chance