Friday 1 April 2016

Match preview: United v Everton

The Premier League returns after a two-week hiatus as United aim to continue where they left off following victory in the derby.

Louis van Gaal's side moved to within a point of the top four positions with the win at the Etihad but saw momentum checked by the latest round of international matches as United's stars jetted off worldwide to play for their countries.

Considering the talent at his disposal, many consider Roberto Martinez to have underachieved with his Everton side this term, with the Toffees- much like ourselves- a topsy turvy tale of inconsistency so far. 

The 12th-placed Merseysiders home form has been unpredictable, but they have been strong on the road and make the 34-mile journey to Old Trafford having only lost once away from Goodison all season.

The Reds last match against Everton also co-incided with an international break as the Reds won at Goodison Park for the first time in four seasons in October (Rooney, Schneiderlin and Herrera getting the goals in a 3-0 win). 

Bastian Schweinsteiger looks likely to miss the rest of the campaign- and probably the Euros- with his knee ligament injury, but Luke Shaw and Wayne Rooney are recovering well and will train next week.

Ashley Young and Ander Herrera are also nearing returns but there are no fresh injury worries for United.

On the run-in, Van Gaal said: 

"Still we are capable of being in the top three positions in the league at this moment and we believe in that, the players believe that also.
"We can also win the FA Cup so we have a lot to fight for and I hope we can show that because we have to continue what we did against City.
"Everton have a better away record, it is better than their home record and when you see the history of recent games, we know that Everton shall be a very difficult opponent for Manchester United."

This match is dedicated to club legend Sir Bobby Charlton, whom will be in attendance to see the stadium's South Stand renamed in his honour on Sunday. 

Form guide: United W L L D D W Everton L W W L W L
Match odds: United 11/10 Draw 5/2 Everton 11/4
Referee: Reds fans will be hoping that this weekend's ref- Andre Marriner- isn't all at sea in his decision making. 











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