Everton vs Manchester United – Three Key Battles
Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend hoping to bounce back from their humiliating defeat against Arsenal at a ground where they’ve failed to even score a goal since 2011.
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The Reds travel to Merseyside to take on the blue half of the city Everton at Goodison Park, a ground where they were dismantled 3-0 last season in a performance that had many fans believing they may miss out on this season’s Champions League.
Now after making their errors against Arsenal, fans will be hoping the team learn and adapt in the hope of not suffering two defeats in a row.
Romelu Lukaku vs Chris Smalling
The Belgian striker has been a thorn in the side of Manchester United ever since coming to the Premier League. During his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion, Lukaku hit a hat-trick in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game as manager and last season he scored once again in the 3-0 win at Goodison.
Chris Smalling has been in the form of his career over the last 18 months and has developed into one of the leading centre-backs in the league. His physical presence and new found leadership skills will be vital in shutting down Lukaku and ensuring the team in front of him is well organised and preventing any service.
Ross Barkley vs Morgan Schneiderlin
Barkley was in sparkling form over the international break and the young playmaker will be looking to carry that form over into the Premier League.
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21 year old Barkley showed great vision, technique and skill during his two England games but has been instrumental in Everton’s good performances in the league this season too. His free roaming role for Everton is something that will undoubtedly cause United problems if not addressed correctly, much like Mesut Ozil did at the Emirates.
Schneiderlin’s absense in that defeat in London was widely questioned by fans before and after the game and it’s expected that he will be drafted back into the squad once again. His energy, positioning and defensive attributes will be a big asset to Louis van Gaal’s men and is something that he was signed for. With Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger both suffering injuries over the international break, it’s likely he will partner whichever one of the two is fittest once the game on Saturday comes around.
Brendan Galloway vs Juan Mata
With the absence of Leighton Baines through injury so far this season, manager Roberto Martinez has trusted youth once again by promoting young defender Brendan Galloway into his place among the starting line-up.
Galloway has impressed in his new role and his fearlessness has been a big factor in Everton continuing their regular style of football and getting good results. He was called up to the Under 21 squad for the international break, although he didn’t feature in the match-day squad.
He’ll be tasked with dealing with an in-form Juan Mata on Saturday afternoon, with the Spaniard going to need to use all his experience. The Champions League, European Cup and World Cup winner has adapted his game to the right wing since Louis van Gaal’s arrival at Old Trafford and has impressed hugely this season, contributing to 45% of all goals scored by Manchester United this season.
Cutting in from the right onto his sweet left-foot, he’ll have to use his brain off the ball to create space for team-mates and give young Galloway a decision to make over whether to go with him or stay with the overlapping full-back. What Mata gets Galloway to do and how he explores the alternative option will be huge in how Manchester United attack and could be substantial in them taking all three points back to Manchester.