Match preview : Everton v/s Manchester United

Everton FC v/s Manchester United FC

Goodison Park

Kick Off : 20:00 BST(Monday, 20th Aug 2012),

00:30 IST(Tuesday,21st Aug,2012)

Referee - Andre Marriner

When the opening match gets underway for these two teams, all eyes will be on the charismatic Dutchman.United managed to sign Robin van Persie just in time for the season opener and Ferguson will be looking to exploit his skills from the first day itself. Everton, on the other hand, will be looking for a solid start this season, something which has always eluded them.They could manage only seven points in the first seven games of the previous season, but picked up pace and finished 7th, ahead of their rivals Liverpool.

The last time United played against Everton at Goodison Park, they won 1-0 with the only strike coming from the Mexican forward, Javier Hernandez.

Team preview:

Everton:

With Jack Rodwell heading for the blue side of Manchester, and Tim Cahill off to the New York Red Bulls, David Moyes will have certain worries. But, the squad is boosted by the arrival of former Rangers man Steven Naismith and the return of Steven Pienaar from Tottenham. Also,Marouane Fellaini (groin) and fellow midfielder Darron Gibson (thigh) have recovered from injury.

The back-four of Neville, Jagielka, Heitinga and Baines are most likely to start, though the manager may prefer Hibbert or Distin also.United’s rumoured interest in left-back Baines should make this game more interesting. Ferguson is expected to make one more signing, especially with Evra’s form troubling the Reds and Fabio off to QPR on loan.

Naismith is expected to make his debut in the midfield. Gibson, Fellaini and Pienaar should start alongside him. Pienaar will be looking to get his name on the sheet after spending some average time at Tottenham. Trusted midfielder Osman may start just behind Jelavic in a possible 4-4-1-1 formation.

Everton (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Howard; Hibbert/Neville, Jagielka, Distin/Heitinga, Baines; Naismith, Fellaini, Gibson, Pienaar; Osman; Jelavic.

Manchester United :

After missing out on a 20th league title on goal difference thanks to Sergio Aguero’s last-minute goal, Ferguson is leaving no stone unturned this time. He has strengthened his squad by signing Kagawa and van Persie, both of whom are likely to be drafted in the starting XI. But, defence problems continue to haunt United as usual.

Jones (back), Smalling (toe) and Evans (ankle) are all out which leaves Sir Alex with only Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand and Rafael as his first-choice defenders.Vidic will be hoping to resume his partnership with Ferdinand. The United captain had an injury-plagued last season and could play in only a handful of matches. Spanish youngster De Gea should start in the goal after finishing last season with the best saves-to-shots ratio(77.9%).

United have a plethora of options in the midfield. Fletcher(colitis) is out, but Scholes and Carrick should start in the central midfield, with Kagawa and Valencia on the flanks.Ferguson may also choose either Nani or Young to play in place of Kagawa, who may start on the bench. Rooney and RVP are set to play together for the first time ever, a partnership that could become one of the greatest strike force in the years to come.

Manchester United (Possible, 4-4-1-1): De Gea; Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia/Young,Carrick, Scholes, Kagawa; Rooney; Van Persie.

Prediction:

All said, this is an opening fixture which neither teams wanted.The Toffees will be looking to salvage a point against the Reds. The only thing that can work in Moyes’ favour is United’s lack of choices in the defence. That is something which will have a large influence in deciding the outcome of the game. If United can contain the Everton forwards, then there is no stopping Rooney and RVP in pocketing the three valuable points in the season opener.

Everton 1-2 Manchester United