Everton will be keen to make a statement of intent by bouncing back from a defeat against Liverpool in their next league game. They face Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow which is expected to be a daunting task for both teams with the game being extra important considering both team’s European aspirations hang in the balance. Both the teams are on the back of disappointing results and will look to get back on track with a win.
Everton have played two games more than the Red Devils currently but will move to the fifth spot with a win tomorrow night. The injury crisis has taken over both the clubs with the Toffees coming out worse from the international break. United’s home form has not been great this season which will give the Toffees a sense of belief going into the game at the Theatre of Dreams. On that note, let’s take a look at the predicted Everton lineup for the match against Manchester United:
Goalkeeper
Joel Robles was below par against Liverpool but will keep in place in the lineup ahead of Maarten Stekelenburg who lost his first team place after getting injured in December. Robles will look to get back to his best against one of the best strikers in the game in Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Defence
Ronald Koeman is expected to go back to a back four against Manchester United after the experiment of playing three at the back failed miserably against Liverpool. Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams will be the centre back pairing for the Toffees with Ramiro Funes-Mori out injured for a long duration with a knee issue.
Mason Holgate will be the right back whereas Leighton Baines will occupy the left back spot. Seamus Coleman suffered a horrific leg break during the international break which has increased the pressure on youngsters like Holgate and Matthew Pennington.
Midfield
The biggest issue for Everton before tomorrow’s game will be the fitness of midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin. He missed the last game and is expected to miss out on a trip to his former club. That means Idrissa Gueye will partner Tom Davies in the centre of the park.
Ross Barkley was lucky not to get a red card for his lunge on Dejan Lovren and will look to get back to his best against a top-six rival. He will start in the number 10 role for Everton with Kevin Mirallas expecting a call to the starting lineup. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be given a place on the right wing with the youngster getting another chance to impress on the biggest stage.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku will lead the line for Everton against Manchester United. The Belgian has a point to prove after being silent against the Reds in the last match. Everton need Lukaku at his best if they want to have a chance against a strong Manchester United side. Arouna Kone and Enner Valencia will be on the bench to provide options in attack for the manager.
