Manchester United are coming into the Everton game on the back of a thrilling 2-1 win against Villarreal in the Europa League fixture.
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Manchester United would be full of confidence when they host Everton on Saturday after their enthralling 2-1 win against Villarreal in the midweek Champions League match. The winner will go to the top of the Premier League table, at least for time being. This is because Manchester City and Liverpool will face each other on Sunday. The Red Devils are fourth in the table with 13 points, one point behind leaders Liverpool. Meanwhile Everton are placed fifth with the same number of points as United.
Although Manchester United have been able to squeeze out results, their performances haven’t been convincing. Even the win against Villarreal has more to do with individual brilliance rather than a collective team effort. It seems like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side is still trying to develop a combination and telepathy, as an attacking unit.
However, the win against Villareal was a testament to the never say die attitude that the team possesses.
Paco Alcacer broke the deadlock for Villarreal before Alex Telles equalized for the hosts. Then, in the fifth minute of injury time, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner. As a result, United registered their first victory of the European campaign.
There was pressure on Solskjaer to pick up three points in the Champions League. They suffered back-to-back defeats against West Ham United in the League Cup and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Although Villarreal were the better team on the night, David de Gea’s heroics between the posts and Ronaldo’s goal helped United to victory.
Manchester United have a tough October and November though. And they would be hoping to start with a victory against Everton and take the momentum going forward.
Meanwhile Everton has also had a good start to the campaign despite the controversial appointment of new boss Rafa Benitez. The Spanish coach has done a good job so far to deliver some decent results.
However, it has to be said that the Blues haven’t been tested against the top quality opponents so far. Saturday’s match could be their toughest test since the start of the season.
Everton defeated Norwich 2-0 in their previous match courtesy of goals from Andros Townsend and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Marcus Rashford is still out with an injury but that shouldn’t be a big concern for Solskjaer as he has enough options in the attacking department. Meanwhile central defender Harry Maguire is out until after the international break with a calf injury. Therefore Victor Lindelf will continue to partner Raphael Varane in the central defence.
Left-back, Luke Shaw who missed the Villarreal match due to muscle problem is likely to return to the playing XI against Everton, while right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also available. Meanwhile Nemanja Matic could come back into the midfield to partner Fred with Paul Pogba pushing to the left side and Jadon Sancho dropping to the bench. Edinson Cavani is pushing for a start therefore don’t be surprised if Ronaldo is rested.
On the other hand, Benitez has lots of injury concerns with Andre Gomes, Dominic Clavert-Lewin, Fabian Delph, Seamus Coleman and Richarlison sidelined with injuries. Meanwhile goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is expected to overcome a shoulder problem and start.
Allan and Doucoure will pull the strings in the midfield with Townsend and Alex Iwobi to support them in the wings. Damarai Gray gave a good account of himself against Norwich, therefore he is likely to retain his spot behind the main striker Salomon Rondon.
