Manchester United prepare for their first real test of the season as they welcome Everton to Old Trafford this Sunday. Louis van Gaal's men will look for their third win of the season against a struggling Everton squad.
For the first time this season, Manchester United face an especially competitive team in Everton, given their fifth spot finish above United last season. Although new Red Devils have fit well into the team, it will be interesting to see how Manchester United cope with the loss of their captain, Wayne Rooney and creative play maker, Ander Herrera. Against a side of Everton's caliber, United must get the tactics right if they are to come away from the match with the full three points.
Despite last season's success, Everton has started off the 2014-15 season slowly, only gaining six points in their first six matches. They currently sit below their rivals, Liverpool, in 15th place. Everton's poor run of play has lead them to concede 21 goals in just 8 matches. Roberto Martinez and his men will come to the Theatre of Dreams determined to reverse their sluggish start and defeat a confident United squad.
Team News
Manchester United's injury illness is still floating around the squad as Ander Herrera has fractured his rib in last weekend's 2-1 victory over West Ham United. Other mid field injuries include Ashley Young (Groin/Pelvis) and Jesse Lingard (Knee). Defender, Jonny Evans is out of action due to a foot injury. Young striker, James Wilson, has also joined the injury list having sustained an ankle ailment. Other Red Devils ineligible for this weekend's match include Wayne Rooney who is suspended. Although two starters are missing, Manchester United do have a number of players returning from injury. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick have all returned to training and are available for Sunday's match selection.
Everton will also be missing key players for this weekend's clash due to injury. Impact players, Mirallas (Hamstring) and Barkley (Knee) are not available for the weekend. Additionally, the status of Coleman, Distin, McCarthy and Peinaar is questionable for the match as they are all recently returning from injury.
Head to Head
Manchester United and Everton have faced each other 168 times. The Red Devils have been victorious in 75 matches and Everton have won 53 matches. The two sides have drawn 40 matches.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United- De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Fletcher, Di Maria, Mata, Van Persie, Falcao (Manager, Louis Van Gaal)
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Hibbert, Besic, Stones, Barry, McCarthy, Naismith, McGeady, Lukaku (Manager, Roberto Martinez)
Prediction
With Juan Mata replacing Wayne Rooney, Manchester United will lose some defensive grit, but will gain more creativity up top; therefore, I predict a 3-2 score line in favor of United.
Written by Gaelyn
For the first time this season, Manchester United face an especially competitive team in Everton, given their fifth spot finish above United last season. Although new Red Devils have fit well into the team, it will be interesting to see how Manchester United cope with the loss of their captain, Wayne Rooney and creative play maker, Ander Herrera. Against a side of Everton's caliber, United must get the tactics right if they are to come away from the match with the full three points.
Despite last season's success, Everton has started off the 2014-15 season slowly, only gaining six points in their first six matches. They currently sit below their rivals, Liverpool, in 15th place. Everton's poor run of play has lead them to concede 21 goals in just 8 matches. Roberto Martinez and his men will come to the Theatre of Dreams determined to reverse their sluggish start and defeat a confident United squad.
Team News
Manchester United's injury illness is still floating around the squad as Ander Herrera has fractured his rib in last weekend's 2-1 victory over West Ham United. Other mid field injuries include Ashley Young (Groin/Pelvis) and Jesse Lingard (Knee). Defender, Jonny Evans is out of action due to a foot injury. Young striker, James Wilson, has also joined the injury list having sustained an ankle ailment. Other Red Devils ineligible for this weekend's match include Wayne Rooney who is suspended. Although two starters are missing, Manchester United do have a number of players returning from injury. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick have all returned to training and are available for Sunday's match selection.
Everton will also be missing key players for this weekend's clash due to injury. Impact players, Mirallas (Hamstring) and Barkley (Knee) are not available for the weekend. Additionally, the status of Coleman, Distin, McCarthy and Peinaar is questionable for the match as they are all recently returning from injury.
Head to Head
Manchester United and Everton have faced each other 168 times. The Red Devils have been victorious in 75 matches and Everton have won 53 matches. The two sides have drawn 40 matches.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United- De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Fletcher, Di Maria, Mata, Van Persie, Falcao (Manager, Louis Van Gaal)
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Hibbert, Besic, Stones, Barry, McCarthy, Naismith, McGeady, Lukaku (Manager, Roberto Martinez)
Prediction
With Juan Mata replacing Wayne Rooney, Manchester United will lose some defensive grit, but will gain more creativity up top; therefore, I predict a 3-2 score line in favor of United.
Written by Gaelyn