BPL Pre-Match Preview: Everton vs Manchester United

-Andi Janaqi 

Everton vs. MANCHESTER UNITED 

Venue: Goodison Park

Time: 15:00

Form: Everton Last 6 - DWDWWD

            MANCHESTER UNITED Last 6 -LWWWWL

           

International Break

Whilst it is clear that we are out of form, having slipped to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal some two weeks ago, it is unclear whether the recent international period will really prove beneficial for us. Most fans are split as to whether this is the case or not, but at the end of the day, it really depends on the players. The question is whether the players would've wanted a break after losing to Arsenal to regather their thoughts, or wanted to bounce back instantly. With several Reds impressing on the international stage with De Gea impressing for Spain, pulling off several remarkable saves against Ukraine to new-boy Anthony Martial obtaining a man-of-the-match award in his full debut for France against Denmark, as well as being voted the PFA player of the month for September, one can only hope they'll bounce back in style.

Opponent 

One of our 'bogey-teams' in the league in recent seasons have indeed been Everton, particularly away from home, where our last two results at the Goodison have been 3-0 and 2-0 defeats. Whilst they have collectively had a good season so far, Ross Barkley in particular has dazzled this season and is on the brink of becoming a true world-class player and also impressed for England in the international period. This will therefore leave an interesting midfield battle to be desired with Morgan Schneiderlin potentially being given the task of limiting his effect in the game. Another interesting battle of strength will come from in-form Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling in and around the United box.

Full-Back Issue

One of our present issues at the minute is the one at full-back. Following Luke Shaw's injury, it is clear we have struggled without him, with van Gaal experimenting in various ways. We have of course not been helped by the injuries to make-shift full-backs Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia. With Matteo Darmian struggling to cope with Alexis Sanchez against Arsenal, we really do have a problem, with the Italian being able to deputise at left-back leaving a void at right-back, which could be filled by David Moyes' first signing Guillermo Varela. However, the most logical solution would be to move Daley Blind out to left-back and place Phil Jones at centre-back with Chris Smalling. Whether van Gaal will do this or not is a different matter.

Wayne Rooney

With several United fans calling for fan-favourite Ander Herrera to come in for Wayne Rooney, who has only scored one in his last twelve visits to Goodison, another issue for van Gaal to solve is our captain. However, having backed his captain once more in his press conference yesterday, it is clear United fans' wishes won't be fulfilled.

Team News

John Stones and Seamus Coleman are set to make their returns. Stones missed two club games as well as England's recent internationals because of a knee problem, while Coleman played for the Republic of Ireland on Sunday following a hamstring complaint.

Tom Cleverley (leg) and Steven Pienaar (hamstring) are also in contention, and Kevin Mirallas has completed a three-match ban after his red card against Swansea last month.

Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick have been passed fit for Manchester United. Rooney missed England's last two games against Estonia and Lithuania because of an ankle problem, but he will be fit to play against his former employers at Goodison Park.

McNair and Young are unavailable but Rojo and Herrera can also play a part on Saturday.

Our travelling squad includes the following:

De Gea

Johnstone

Smalling 

Darmian

Rojo

Blind 

Jones

Herrera 

Schneiderlin

Schweinsteiger 

Pereira

Carrick

Fellaini

Lingard

Memphis

Mata

Rooney 

Martial

Likely Line-Up

                   De Gea

Darmian Smalling Jones Blind

 Schneiderlin Schweinsteiger

     Mata Rooney Memphis 

                    Martial 

Statistics

Romelu Lukaku is one of only four players to score a Premier League hat-trick against United (Bentley, Kuyt, Eto'o).

Anthony Martial has touched the ball in the opposition box more often than any other Premier League player this season (every 9.2 minutes, minimum of 90 minutes played).

Everton are the only Premier League side yet to score from a set piece this term.