Manchester United will step out on the pitch to face Roberto Martinez’s side Everton at the Old Trafford on 3rd of April. Louis van Gaal will look to continue the same result after their win in the Derby.
After ‘Investing’ almost 300m in the team, the Dutch manager is aiming to finish his campaign in the top 4 of the league and they are very close to it, yet, it might be a difficult task for the teams because Manchester City and West Ham United are the contenders who are chasing the same prize. United have been so unpredictable this season, won a majority of big games in the league but failed to put the same form against the rest of the teams. Furthermore, Everton will be looking to get a win and bounce back in the league after their embarrassing home defeat against Arsenal last time out and the team is also in the pressure as their striker as he has hinted that he may leave the club.
In their first fixture, the Devils grabbed a comfortable 3-0 win over Roberto Martinez’s side and he will be looking to fire up the retribution at the Old Trafford. Chris Smalling, on the other hand, will have to work tirelessly to silence Romelu Lukaku also as is the player who always looks forward to make some runs upfront and find himself a gap. Carrick or whosoever plays in the defensive midfield area will have to take care of Ross Barkley to stop his through balls. Deulofeu and Lennon, on the other hand, are one of the quickest Everton stars and United’s full-back will have a tough task to intervene their crosses. The key area is the midfield and that’s the place where Everton loves to tickle and frustrate the opponent.
In all, it will be a tough competition between the two teams.
Team News:
Manchester United-
Since the beginning of the season, United is having an intense affair with injuries. Their key midfielders like, Schweinsteiger, Ashley Young are out on the sideline. Herrera may return to the squad where on the other hand, Rooney, Shaw, Jones are the long-term absentees.
Everton-
John Stones may return in the United’s game and Oviedo’s return is in doubts due to illness. Hibbert, Browning, and Pienaar are the long term absentees for the Toffees.
Lineups:
Manchester United-
De Gea;
Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Darmian;
Lingard, Schneiderlin, Herrera,Mata, Martial;
Rashford
Everton:
Howard;
Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines;
Deulofeu, Barry, McCarthy, Barkley, Lennon;
Lukaku
Manchester United vs Everton Key Stats-
Manchester United have won their last 3 games at the Old Trafford in the Premier League and have won 3 of their last 6 games, losing 2 and drawing 1.
Everton, who are sitting on the 12th spot on the table have won 3 of their last six and have lost 3. Not just that, Everton have scored at least 3 goals in their last 3 away matches in the Premier League. Everton are undefeated in their last 8 away matches in the Premier League.
In their 171 head to head games, United have won 77 of them and Everton 54 and both have played 40 draws against each other.
Manchester United vs Everton Prediction-
Louis van Gaal will be looking to seal his 4th consecutive home victory, on the other hand, Everton will be doing everything to stop the Devils and win their 9th consecutive away game. This will be a tough game in which both the side will be colliding with different intentions. Losing will not be an option for Manchester United but if they lose they might drop their chance of finishing in the top 4 spots.