MATCH PREVIEW: Manchester United vs Everton
VENUE & KICKOFF: Old Trafford, Sunday 4:55 P.M (IST)
Manchester United Team News:
Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the table by five points with a resounding 4-0 win over Aston Villa last week. Sir Alex has virtually the entire squad to choose from. Anderson, Vidic, Fletcher and Pogba remain the only absentees.
The backline for United is expected to be the same as last weekend. De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand and Evra have nailed down their respective positions with impressive performances. Valencia will keep his position in the right wing for United and his understanding with Rafael has started to blossom at the right time. Nani gave an inspired substitute appearance against Villa and Sir Alex might be tempted to give him a starting berth this weekend.
Carrick’s influence has been vital this season and he is expected to retain his spot in central midfield. The return of Scholes has coincided with a successful run of games for United, who have not lost in all the 10 games the midfield maestro has started. He is certain to start alongside Carrick. Rooney will play behind the striker to link up the midfield and attack. Welbeck who has struck a fine partnership with Rooney might spearhead the attacking line for United.
Expected Line-up: De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Rooney, Welbeck.
Subs: Amos, Smalling, Jones, Cleverley, Giggs, Chicharito, Berbatov.
Last 5 league results at home: WWWWW
Man to watch: Wayne Rooney – The former Evertonian is three goals shy of his best personal tally for a season. He needs one more goal to equal legendary George Best and Dennis Viollet’s haul of 179 goals. Rooney will be fired up against his former club and would like to nick a goal or two against them.
Everton Team News:
Everton will be facing United after a heart wrenching loss to their Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup semifinals. Everton will be fired up and itching to get back on track with a positive result at Old Trafford. Tim Howard has come up with match-winning saves on many occasions. The former Manchester United goalkeeper is expected to retain his place.
Leighton Baines, the influential Left Back misses out due to hamstring problem which is a concern for David Moyes. Phil Jagielka and Sylvian Distin are expected to take up the centre back positions flanked by Hibbert and Phil Neville. Royston Drenthe who was dropped due to disciplinary charges with the club is a doubt for this fixture.
Steven Piennar has regained his form and might partner Maroune Fellaini at the centre of the pitch. Gibson who looks to prove a point against his old employers might also make the cut. The mercurial Tim Cahill is expected to take up the attacking role behind the striker. The new signing from Rangers, Jelavic has been in great run of form, scoring 6 goals since his arrival. He will be looking to increase his tally against the champions.
Expected Line-up: Howard, Neville, Distin, Jagielka, Hibbert, Felliani, Peinnar, Coleman, Gueye, Cahill, Jelavic.
Subs: Hahnemann, Heitinga, McFadden, Stracqualursi, Osman, Gibson, Anichebe.
Last 5 league results away from home: DLWWD
Man to watch: Nikola Jelavic – The new signing has been a revelation for the Merseyside club. He has scored 6 goals and also got his name on the scoresheet in last weekend’s FA cup semi-final against Liverpool. Scoring a goal and upsetting the champions at the theatre of dreams might just be the perfect platform for him to continue his goal scoring prowess.