Everton vs Manchester United – English Premier League – Preview

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Sreya

The English Premier League return to action after the international break with a number of intriguing match-ups, the most high-profile being Manchester United’s away trip at Goodison Park to face Everton.

Team News

Leighton Baines, Steven Pienaar, Tom Cleverley and Tony Hibbert will be absent through injuries but Roberto Martinez is hoping to have John Stones back into the starting line-up after the young defender missed the last two matches for his country due to lack of fitness. Muhammad Besic has also been listed as doubtful.

Luke Shaw is the only long-term absentee through injury for Louis van Gaal’s side but the likes of Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Patrick McNair and Bastian Schweinsteiger have been marked as doubts for the game. Wayne Rooney has been declared fit and will look to score some goals on his return to his former club.

Everton Possible Starting Lineup: Tim Howard, Seamus Coleman, John Stones, Phil Jagielka, Brendan Galloway, James McCarthy, Gareth Barry, Gerard Deolefeu, Ross Barkley, Steven Naismith, Romelu Lukaku.

Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup: David de Gea, Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Morgan Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay, Anthony Martial.

Contributor’s Pick

With a topsy-turvy season of the Premier League in progress, only three points separate the seventh-placed Everton from Manchester United sitting on third position in the league standings. Manchester Untied will look to bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 defeat in the hands of Arsenal prior to the international break, but Everton are high on confidence after remaining unbeaten in the last five league matches.

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Everton have won only32 % of its matches against Manchester United till date. However, the Red Devils should win a closely contested affair by a 2-1 margin.

“His contribution is a bit more than scoring goals. If you want my thoughts, I would prefer it if Wayne Rooney doesn’t play. From an opposition point of view, I think Manchester United are a better team when Wayne Rooney plays. He brings a lot more to his performance that just hitting the back of the net.

I think records and previous results mean very little – what’s important is that we respect immensely this Manchester United side. A couple of weeks ago when they went top of the league, that was a real statement of intent. Manchester United have a settled side now and have become really strong in what they do.”

– Roberto Martinez.