Everton and Manchester United will do battle for a coveted place in 21 May’s FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.
The fortunes of the two clubs could not be more contrasting. For Everton, the outlook is becoming bleaker by the week. A smashing dished out by local rivals Liverpool will only dent Toffee hopes further, with that night proving a calamity of monumental proportions, stretching beyond the unsightly 4-0 scoreline.
The Anfield nightmare has compounded the pressure on Roberto Martinez, whose job appears to be on its last legs pending Saturday’s result. The Spaniard is fast losing Everton fans’ backing, and a loss versus United could spell the end.
Speaking of the Red Devils, it would be farfetched to say they are setting the world on fire with their sometimes sleep-inducing style of play, yet the results are coming. Louis van Gaal’s side has won four of its past five Premier League matches, with an impressive cup triumph over European placing rivals West Ham United at Upton Park. One of those opponents in that stretch was Everton – United secured a 1-0 win against the Blues on 4 April.
For the winner, the chance to clinch silverware beckons with a clash against either Watford or Crystal Palace. That means an opportunity for Everton to end a 21-year trophy drought, or the chance at a 12th FA Cup for United.
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Key Battle – The battle of the dugouts
The tasty sub-plot to this semi-final is the battle of the managers. Both have been – and to differing extents, remain – under the microscope, still battling to secure their futures and convince stakeholders they can walk the walk, rather than simply talk the talk.
United have defeated Everton twice in the Premier League this season, on the first occasion putting the Blues to the sword as van Gaal scored a convincing tactical one-up on Martinez. This time, it is as important as ever for the former Swansea boss to find a winning formula, but before that is something even more crucial – how does he go about lifting spirits in his wounded camp against stubborn opposition?
Unfortunately for him, United’s no-fuss approach is unlikely to garner any sympathy. A tough task awaits.
Team News
Everton’s loss at the hands of Liverpool inflicted scores of personnel pain. Gareth Barry and John Stones were substituted with injury in the midst of a mounting casualty list, already populated with names including Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka. Ramiro Funes Mori saw red for a shocking challenge on Divock Origi and is suspended, leaving the Blues with slim pickings in defence. Coleman has been officially ruled out, and while Stones, Jagielka and Coleman are strong doubts, late fitness tests will define their fate.
Seamus Coleman confirmed to miss Saturday’s semi. Late fitness tests for Jagielka, Barry and Stones. https://t.co/TizjixS8Ba
— Everton (@Everton) April 22, 2016
Available makeshift options across the back include Mo Besic and forgotten man Brendan Galloway.
For United, the forecast is far brighter. Van Gaal has declared he has a pool of 24 fit players to choose from for his party of 18. Despite trudging off sore against Crystal Palace midweek, Chris Smalling has been passed fit and will line up in the heart of defence.
Marouane Fellaini could be called upon by the Dutch boss against his former club to help cover Romelu Lukaku’s towering aerial presence.
Louis van Gaal to #MUTV: “Only Shaw & Schweinsteiger cannot play [v Everton], maybe Januzaj too as he hasn’t played in the second team yet.”
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 21, 2016
Head-to-Head
Manchester United dominate the head-to-head between these teams, boasting 78 wins against Everton versus the Toffees’ 54, with an additional 40 draws.
Previous Meeting
These teams met as recently as the start of this month, where an Anthony Martial goal was the difference in a drab meeting at Old Trafford.
United and Everton last met at Wembley at this very stage of the FA Cup in 2009. On that occasion, both sides drew blanks after 120 minutes before the Merseysiders prevailed 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
Prediction
The confidence in the Everton camp is surely too low for a positive result, particularly against a team that can find a way to win ugly or stylish. This match could well paint the picture of Martinez’s immediate future. Another insipid performance reminiscent of Wednesday’s debacle would suggest the manager has lost his players.
Yet it is hard to be optimistic about Everton’s chances. Whether it be boring football or excitable football, Manchester United have found ways to get the job done when it matters – their current hold of fifth spot in the league despite plenty of criticism reflects that.
Everton 0 Manchester United 2
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