Manchester United vs Everton – Three key battles
Manchester United will travel to Goodison Park in hopes of getting back into the win column and further solidifying their Champions League birth.
After winning six straight in the Premier League, United fell to league leader Chelsea last weekend. The Red Devils played the better football, as predicted, but conceded off of an Eden Hazard finish on the counter. As against the Blues, United will be missing the likes of Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, and Michael Carrick; Daley Blind has an off-chance to return. Adnan Januzaj and Rafael will also be missing due to injuries suffered with the reserve team, as announced in Louis van Gaal’s press conference.
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The Toffees enter the match having won four of the last five matches and will be looking to get into the top half of the table. It’s been a disappointing season for Roberto Martinez at Everton, and they have nothing left to play for aside from pride. Marouane Fellaini will be returning to his former stomping ground to create a battle within the war, as we take a look at the key battles for the match.
Romelu Lukaku vs Paddy McNair
McNair will likely get his second consecutive start due to the injuries across United’s back line, with the only real threat to his starting spot being Jonny Evans. The match against Chelsea was McNair’s best display this season, as he showcased his technical ability along with his defensive superiority. Going forward, he made several lengthy dribbles deep into the Chelsea half and even had a couple of chances at goal.
Against Everton, the young center back will need to be alert defensively, especially with Lukaku as the striker. The Belgian has scored 18 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for the Toffees this season as he’s proven to be their biggest offensive threat. His physicality could prove difficult to handle for McNair, as he’ll likely look to hold up play and lay off to his teammates. If United struggle to put the ball on target like they did last week, the defense will need to be in sync all game if we’re to secure any points in the match.
Phil Jagielka vs Radamel Falcao
The last time the Red Devils faced Everton, Falcao put his name on the scorer’s sheet as he scored one of United’s two goals in the 2-1 victory. With Wayne Rooney likely dropping into the midfield once again, unless Blind can return for the match, Falcao will hope to rediscover the back of the net. He was ineffective against the Blues last week, with the best chance hitting the outside of the post, and he’s gone eight matches without hitting a shot on target.
Jagielka has arguably been Everton’s most consistent performer in a tumultuous season and he’ll hope to continue that against our Colombian striker. He’s at the upper echelon of the Premier League’s defenders along with his teammate Leighton Baines. The battle between Falcao and Jagielka could decide the match, as the United striker will be crucial in creating chances as the lone striker. If he can distribute to the other attacking options, the Red Devils could easily leave Goodison with three points.
Leighton Baines vs Antonio Valencia and Juan Mata
Valencia and Mata will most likely feature on the right side of United’s squad as has been the case for some time now. Though the Spaniard has been less influential in recent games after bursting back onto the scene against Spurs and Liverpool, he’ll look to exploit Baines’ questionable defensive ability. Valencia will need to push forward as usual to link up with Mata and create havoc down the flank. Plenty of United’s goals have come off of runs down the wing before playing it into space in the middle of the field.
Going forward, Baines has generated the most chances for his team, showing his importance to the Everton attack. Valencia has been good in defense this season after making the conversion from winger to full back, but Mata will need to track back and provide support. With both teams’ full backs getting forward, the game could open up to back and forth play. You’d have to believe that would favor United, as the Toffees have failed to score more than one goal in the last three EPL matches.