Monday 3 April 2017

Match preview: United v Everton

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera both return from suspension to boost United's attacking options for the visit of Everton.

After a blunt showing in a disappointing result against West Brom last time out, Zlatan is available again after his three-match ban following the Tyrone Mings incident. 
Herrera has completed his own two game suspension and will feature in United's second game in four days.
 Juan Mata (groin) Chris Smalling and Phil Jones (both foot) are all absent and Paul Pogba (hamstring) is doubtful. 
Everton have injury problems of their own, with six players out, which include Ramiro Funes Mori, Aaron Lennon, ex Red Morgan Schneiderlin and leg-break victim Seamus Coleman.

Ronald Koeman's in-form side make the short journey to Old Trafford having lost once in their last 12, prior to Saturday's defeat in the Merseyside derby.
Inspired by the pace and power of Premier League top scorer Romelu Lukaku (21 goals), and the creativity of exciting youngsters Tom Davies and Ross Barkley, the Toffees sit one place behind sixth-placed Arsenal - albeit having played two games more. 

An injury-time Leighton Baines penalty denied us the win in the reverse fixture at Goodison in December after Ibra's spectacular effort had given us the lead. 

Victory would move the team to within two points of fourth-placed City, ahead of their clash at Chelsea the following night.
The Reds are on an unbeaten league run of 19 matches but the WBA stalemate was our eleventh of the season and eighth at home, more than any other team. 

With a European quarter-final against Anderlecht on the horizon, United boss Jose said that he is "fully focused" on his side's Premier League challenge.
He said: "The quarter-finals of the Europa League are very important for us, of course, but at the moment we're thinking about the Premier League and nothing else.
"Until it is mathematically impossible, we keep trying and this week we do not play in Europe, so it is easy to focus. 
"After Everton, we go to Sunderland with the same perspective, then comes the Europa League against Anderlecht and after that I don't know."

Form guide: United D D L W W D Everton D W L W W L 
Match odds: United 7/4 Draw 15/4 Everton 9/2
Referee: Neil Swarbrick 




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