Prediction: Manchester United's Starting XI against Everton

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he will be rotating his squad in the next two games, which could define Manchester United‘s season.

United face Everton in the Premier League on Sunday and Ferguson won’t take anything for granted against the Toffees as it was the 4-4 draw in the same fixture last season that cost United the title. Three days later, United travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid in arguably the biggest game of the season.

The Premier League leaders will be looking to maintain their impressive home record and also extend the lead at the top of the table to 12 points with a win at Old Trafford, after Southampton stunned the reigning champions Manchester City with a 3-1 win last night. At the same time, the Red Devils will also be hoping to put in their best performance in Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Here, I predict Manchester United’s starting XI against Everton, keeping in mind the Madrid game:

Defence

David De Gea is expected to start in between the posts for Manchester United, after keeping a clean-sheet and impressing against Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend. Rafael, who has had his best season so far, could be rested keeping in mind the Real Madrid game in the midweek, meaning Chris Smalling starting as a right-back with Phil Jones out injured. Club captain Nemanja Vidic, who missed the game against Fulham, should be drafted in the side and partner Jonny Evans in the heart of the defence, with Patrice Evra on the left. Rio Ferdinand and Alexander Buttner could provide with options if needed.

Midfield

In midfield, Michael Carrick is a doubt after missing England‘s international friendly against Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday. Anderson could start alongside Tom Cleverley in central midfield, with Ryan Giggs on the left and Nani, who impressed in the same fixture last season, on the right. Sir Alex Ferguson also has Ashley Young at his disposal after the winger returned to training this week but the Englishman is expected to start from the bench. Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher have both been ruled out, while Antonio Valencia could be on the bench after playing for Ecuador in the midweek.

Attack

Shinji Kagawa is expected to start after sitting out of the game against Fulham last week and he could start in his favoured role just behind the striker. Who will start alongside the Japanese international is the big question. Robin van Persie hasn’t scored since the Tottenham game and Ferguson could be tempted to rest him just to keep him fresh for the huge game in midweek, while Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez both played the whole 90 minutes for their respective countries. Danny Welbeck played just 45 minutes for England against Brazil, and he could be the one to start alongside Kagawa with others making an appearance from the bench.