After a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Arsenal before the International break, Manchester United are back in action as they take on Everton at the Goodison Park later tonight. The Louis Van Gaal managed side has been dethroned from the top of the table after the loss against Arsenal, but they will making it sure that they mount the pressure on table-toppers Manchester City and second-placed Arsenal by beating the Toffees tonight.
Form:
Roberto Martinez’s side are unbeaten in their last 5 games with Everton’s only defeat in the league to date came at the hands of table-toppers Manchester City. The form of Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku has helped the Toffees to a strong position in the league and a win today would see them leapfrog United. Even in defence, Everton are rock-solid with Phil Jagielka and John Stones calling the shots. They will look to put a strong show later tonight when they take on the Red Devils.
On the other hand, Everything is not well for Manchester United after the 3-0 loss to Arsenal. Their weakness in defence is exploited. After a strong start to the season, he Red Devils’ midfield lacked energy and the defence looked fragile. More than these, the form of skipper Wayne Rooney will hurt them the most as the former Everton man is finding it difficult to score goals. Louis Van Gaal and the fans will hope for Rooney to find form when he returns to Goodison Park tonight.
Team News:
The hosts are having a long list of injuries that includes Leighton Baines, Tony Hibbert, Steven Pienaar, Muhamed Besic and former Manchester United man Tom Cleverley. Besic, along with Stones will go through a fitness test ahead of the match and their place in the starting XI will be decided on the result of the test. United does not have any new injury concern.
Likely Playing XI:
Everton:
Howard; Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway; McCarthy, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Naismith; Lukaku
Manchester United:
De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Young; Schneiderlin, Carrick; Mata, Rooney, Depay; Martial