With the international break done and dusted, Everton travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. It has been a long international break for Everton as their disappointing league season continued as they were comprehensibly beaten by Arsenal 2-0 at Goodison Park, their 8th league defeat at home this season. It was a different case for United, who were buoyant during the international break after a 1-0 win over bitter rivals Manchester City, a result which reignited their top 4 hopes. For Everton, their league season is more or less over with very little to play for as they are stuck in mid table, and the FA Cup will most definitely take priority. Of course, this could be a preview to a potential FA Cup semi final match with Everton facing the winner out of Man Utd and West Ham at Wembley later this month.
Manchester United Team News:
Manchester United do have a few injury concerns, German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is out with a knee injury suffered during the international break. He joins a list of casualties which include Rooney (knee), Keane (groin), Jones (ankle) and Shaw (leg). Injured duo Ander Herrera and Ashley Young, both of whom are suffering groin injuries are an outside chance to play.
Possible Starting XI: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Carrick, Mata, Lingard, Schneiderlin, Martial, Rashford
Player to watch: Marcus Rashford
The academy graduate has provided the club with a massive boost since his debut. The youngster became the youngest goal scorer in a Manchester derby as he scored the lone goal and added to his impressive record which stands at 5 goals in 8 games. It has been a very impressive introduction to senior football and he looms as a big danger for the Everton defence. Rashford, although young, seems to have that nous of being in the right place at the right time, something that is invaluable for a striker, and also has a nice combination of technical ability and physicality.
Everton Team News:
Everton are set to gain a couple of valuable players, Bryan Oviedo has recovered from a chest infection and should be available for selection, Kevin Mirallas, who was sent off in the game against West Ham has completed his suspension, although Gareth Barry serves the final match of his 2 game ban following the red card against Chelsea. In terms of injuries, Everton have a relatively clean bill of health with only long term absentees Pienaar, Hibbert and Browning all out with knee injuries.
Possible Starting XI: Robles, Baines, Coleman, Funes Mori, Jagielka, Besic, McCarthy, Barkley, Lennon, Deulofeu, Lukaku
Player to watch: Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku has been one of the main high points from a disappointing season. The striker has scored 18 goals this season, and his goals has really saved Everton from a truly disastrous season. Many people raised eyebrows after he completed a 28mil permanent move to Everton a couple summers ago, but he has more than lived up to that price, and should Lukaku want to leave, Everton would stand to make a tidy profit. He has all the tools to become a world class striker, and his goal scoring record for his age is unrivaled in world football.
Match Facts & Stats
1. In the last 7 league meetings between the two, Everton have won 4 of them and United 3, although United did record an impressive 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison earlier this season.
2. Everton’s record at Old Trafford has been terrible, with the Toffees only winning one of their last 22 matches at Old Trafford, which came 2 seasons ago, courtesy of a late Bryan Oviedo winner.
3. Man Utd’s home form has been rather impressive, with United only losing 2 games at home this season, which is only behind Leicester in least losses at home. United are also looking for four consecutive home wins for the first time in a year.
4. Everton’s home form has been abysmal but their away form has been very good, they have suffered the fewest defeats away from home this season, with their lone away loss coming at Arsenal in October. Everton have picked up 22pts from their away games this season, compared to 16pts at home.
5. Everton are the most clinical side in the division having scored on 18% of their chances this season.
Match Prediction:
It is an odd game, given United’s excellent home form up against Everton’s excellent away form, however, I do think the fact that United have something to play for, with a top 4 spot up for grabs, compared to Everton, who are focusing mainly on the FA Cup could be the difference. I think United will scrap out a 2-1 win. COYB!! LETS FINISH THE SEASON STRONG!!!