United vs Everton Big Match Preview

Introduction

Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime as they take on in-form Everton at Old Trafford. With just five games left, anything less than three points will be seen as an open opportunity for rivals Chelsea & Arsenal to increase the pressure at the top of the table. United currently sit six points clear of their challengers from London with battles to follow against them in subsequent matches. Chelsea entertain West Ham tomorrow while Arsenal travel to Bolton on Sunday.

The tried and trusted mantra of taking each game as it comes and concentrating on our own results will be proclaimed by the manager as the key with matches counting down. After two successive goalless games from United, a fast start will be essential. With the Champions league semi final looming large on Tuesday, the ideal scenario would be to get the game wrapped up in the first half and then be in a position to stroll through the second. However, given Everton's form and the pressures associated with being involved in a championship race, this is unlikely to occur!

The Opposition

David Moyes' men lie seventh in the table with a record of eleven wins and 47 points from their 33 matches. As seems to be the case almost every season, the Toffee men have recovered from a mid-season injury jinx to storm up the table in the final stages to leave them with an outside chance of finishing above local rivals Liverpool. Only five teams have a better record away from home than Everton with their record of four wins and seven draws from their 16 games. 

Their current form is excellent as they sit second in the form table behind Chelsea over the last eight games with just one defeat and five wins. This record is despite being without the likes of Arteta, Saha, Cahill and Fellaini at various points. Of the above "star" names, only Cahill has a chance of appearing at Old Trafford but is doubtful with a foot injury.

Scoring goals seems to be their major weakness. This has been a recurring theme over the last few years with the inability to keep ex United forward Louis Saha on the pitch. On his day the Frenchman is a sensational player but unfortunately the injury prone tag has always been associated with the lively striker and he is destined to finish his career unfulfilled. Despite his injury worries, Saha is still Everton's leading scorer with ten in all competitions closely followed by Beckford and Cahill with nine.

For me, Everton can be characterised by some of the names on their squad list who, while unable to be described as great players, epitomise the spirit and work ethic instilled under Moyes' regime. Neville, Osman, Baines, Coleman, Distin and Jagielka to name just a few are examples of players who give their all for the Everton cause whilst never getting the recognition they deserve for their footballing ability.

United

Predicting a United team is always a tricky process to get correct and Saturday's game will be no different. What makes it harder still is the Schalke tie on Tuesday. In my view, team rotation is not an option for the match against Everton, the boss needs to pick his strongest side, get the victory and then worry about the Germans. I fear, however, that a weakened team may be selected but I would not understand the logic behind this view. United fans want title number 19 ahead of all others and would willingly sacrifice the Champions League trophy if a choice has to be made. Sir Alex may feel differently and based on our almost perfect home record, trust whoever is selected to get the job done. 

I will therefore predict the team that I think should be played tomorrow.

The back five picks itself with Rio Ferdinand returning to the starting lineup after a break in midweek. Rafael will come back into the side at right back in place of John O'Shea.

As it is a home game then 4-4-1-1 is likely to be the formation. I cannot see Giggs playing in both this game and on Tuesday so it is perhaps likely he will start on the bench with Anderson playing alongside Carrick in the centre of midfield. As many will know, I am not a huge fan of the Brazilian in a two man midfield but at home, with United on the front foot then it is acceptable. If Arteta and Cahill had both been available then I would no doubt have felt differently as his energy levels up against players of that quality can be brought into question. On the wings I can see Valencia on the right and Ji Sung Park on the left. Nani was disappointing on Tuesday and may well be given a spot on the bench ahead of the Schalke tie. Park's industry, while not always effective from an attacking point of view at home, adds something to the United side and I would also expect to see him play at the Emirates next Sunday in which has been a happy hunting ground for the South Korean in recent years. Valencia was quiet in his brief cameo appearance at St James' Park as for once, he struggled to get into the pace of the game after a substitute appearance.

Up front, I can see no other selection than Rooney and Hernández. The Mexican will look to use his pace up against Jagielka and Distin with Rooney conducting proceedings from the hole. Berbatov's strange absence from the bench last week only fuelled further rumours about his future but the Bulgarian has had a great season and will have an important part to play in the matches to come. 

Scoreline Prediction

I can see tomorrow being tense and tight for long periods. As mentioned previously, an early goal would be a godsend after two blanks in the last couple of games. This would settle both the team and importantly the crowd. However, if the Reds struggle to impose their play on Everton then the tension will be palpable as the game progresses. This is where the experience of the United team to prevail against the odds will see them through with a 2-0 victory with goals in each half from Rooney and Valencia. 

With three points gained, the pressure then switches to our rivals and while I cannot see anything but a Chelsea win versus West Ham, a trip to Bolton could see Arsenal slip up once again. This could be vital ahead of the meeting at the Emirates next Sunday. If the Gunners are effectively out of the title race then their motivation has decreased somewhat. Alternatively, you could make a strong case for Arsenal being very dangerous with the pressure off and the freedom to just go out and play. Their mental fragility has been there for all to see so with the release of this tension, it could make them much more dangerous opponents! I am sure they would like nothing more than to put a dent in the United bandwagon ahead of the remainder of the season.

Do you agree with my team and score predictions above? Leave a comment, rate the article by clicking on a box or contact me on Twitter.