Everton faces a tough test in its pursuit to continue a good run of late season form in the shape of the once more high-flying Manchester United.
Louis van Gaal’s side will travel to Goodison Park looking to rebound from defeat at the hands of league leaders Chelsea. Despite dominating the match in a statistical sense, United were not able to breach the Blues’ defence and were ultimately hit by a first-half sucker punch from Eden Hazard.
For the Red Devils, a spot in the top four looks a sure bet, but automatic qualification to the Champions League is not safe just yet, with neighbours Manchester City only one point behind them in fourth.
While Europa League qualification is out of the equation for Everton, a flattering finish inside the top 10 is still a possibility. Roberto Martinez’s side is in good form, having claimed 13 points from a possible 15 in its last five matches.
The Toffees accounted for struggling Burnley 1-0 last time out thanks to a Kevin Mirallas goal, but they will be disappointed they could not add to that score after dominating the 10-man Clarets.
Key Battle – Gareth Barry vs Wayne Rooney
The United skipper has the ability to not only score goals but also to roam through midfield and create them for his teammates. With Robin van Persie a chance to return to the starting XI, it looks as though Rooney will again line up through the middle of the park.
Everton’s Gareth Barry will therefore be crucial in limiting Rooney’s influence. Expect to see some heavy-handed tactics and professional fouls from the Premier League’s most booked player in history to stifle Rooney’s forward movement.
Team News
The Toffees were relatively unscathed from their clash against Burnley. James McCarthy picked up an ankle knock, but the Irishman looks set to take his place alongside Barry in central midfield. Fit-again Romelu Lukaku started as a substitute against the Clarets and Martinez may be tempted to draft him back into the starting XI, a move that would most likely relegate Arouna Kone back to the bench.
Some conjecture may surround whether Martinez will maintain a winning formula or if he reverts to a defensive-minded XI as he has done against Liverpool and Chelsea. A move such as this would see Ross Barkley drop to the bench with Muhamed Besic likely to replace him.
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Everton Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Howard (GK); Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Baines; Barry, McCarthy; Lennon, Barkley, Mirallas; Kone.
Van Gaal looks set to regain some big names ahead of the trip to the Northwest, with Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones all a chance to return to the squad.
Robin van Persie was named on the bench against Chelsea and is a good chance to be handed a starting birth, most likely in place of the misfiring Radamel Falcao. However, United will be without both Adnan Januzaj and Rafael after the pair was injured playing for the club’s under 21s team.
Manchester United Expected XI (4-5-1): De Gea (GK); Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Shaw; Herrera, Fellaini, Rooney, Mata, Young; van Persie.
Head-to-Head
Everton and Manchester United have met 169 times since 1906. The Red Devils hold the ascendancy with 76 wins compared to Everton’s 53. There has been an additional 40 draws.
Previous Meeting
The last meeting between these teams came on October 5 at Old Trafford. United won the match 2-1 courtesy of a rare Falcao goal, while Leighton Baines missed a penalty for the first time in 14 attempts.
Prediction
Both sides are in decent form, so an intriguing battle looks to be on the cards. But with more at stake for the away side, and with a touch more class and consistency, expect it to prevail.
Everton 1 Manchester United 2
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