Everton should have their most crucial central midfielder, James McCarthy, available along with Leon Osman- whose return after a long-term injury coincided with Everton’s upturn in form. Also, Romelu Lukaku should make his first start in 5 weeks after coming off the bench last week so overall Everton should be strengthened from last week.
Last week Man United’s most in-form striker Wayne Rooney was forced into a midfield role due to injuries to Michael Carrick and Daley Blind. The former is still out however the latter could return, meaning the former blue could return to his preferred centre forward role where he has recently seen his best form this season occur. If not, there are theories Van Persie may come in to replace Falcao; either way Everton face a battle defensively in keeping out the resurgent reds.
Looking at it tactically, I’ve mentioned before Martinez’s policy of letting the left winger stay forward when Everton are defending which often leads to right backs having a lot of space to exploit. This week the right back is a natural winger by trade in Antonio Valencia. Everton cannot afford to give him too much space, particularly bearing in mind Juan Mata will drift inside from the right, perhaps taking a marker with him which could open up even more space down that side.
Something Man United have been particularly strong on in recent weeks is crosses. Ashley Young and Luke Shaw are starting to form a good relationship and a lot of crosses are coming in for Fellaini to attack. His inside left runs and aerial presence has caused the likes of Tottenham and Man City, especially, big problems lately. The Belgian pulled out onto City’s fullbacks for aerial challenges, like his goal in the derby, giving him an obvious height advantage.
Like most teams, Everton have small fullbacks so will have to come up with a plan for dealing with this. Knowing Fellaini well should help but cutting off the supply could be the key. Closing down that aforementioned space on the right hand side, as well as making sure Shaw and Young are tracked and closed down well should limit the threat Fellaini poses.
Where Man Utd are weaker is defensively and with players running at them. Everton destroyed the reds on the counter attack in this fixture a year ago and they were caught out in similar fashion last week at Chelsea. They’re not a side who keep plenty of clean sheets; they’ve only kept three since mid-January and only one of those was away (in a game at Newcastle where a stonewall penalty should’ve been given against them). So they always give you opportunities.
Overall this should be a tight game in score line and an entertaining game in that both teams are surely going to attack. Everton can give themselves a great chance of a top 10 finish and could even end the weekend there while Man Utd can further establish their top 4 place and avoid any serious pressure from Liverpool, who play twice in the next 3 days and could put pressure on United if they’re careless at Goodison.
Everton have only lost once at home to Man Utd since 2007 and I predict this impressive record will continue, however only with a 2-2 draw.
