Everton could look to benefit from Manchester United’s misfortunes this weekend, with Anthony Martial a doubt to play on Sunday, as reported by Standard Sport.
The French forward faced a late fitness test to be involved in United’s Europa League clash with Club Brugge on Thursday, but ultimately he failed to make Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s match-day squad.
While Martial’s knee injury isn’t thought to be too serious, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to feature against the Toffees at Goodison Park on Sunday, as Everton look to get back to winning ways.
As such, the Blues could look to benefit from a hopefully depleted Red Devils attacking unit.
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With Marcus Rashford also injured for United, the club could be without some serious firepower when they face Carlo Ancelotti’s side this weekend.
Rashford has scored 14 times in the Premier League this season, while Anthony Martial has got on the scoresheet 10 times in the league, meaning that the club could well be without their two top goalscorers against Everton.
Daniel James, Juan Mata and Odion Ighalo were United’s front three in their 5-0 win over Brugge on Thursday, and the trio could start against Everton, while Jesse Lingard could also be an option.
Should Mata start on the right, he will represent a significantly less dynamic and pacey threat to Everton’s left side, while Ighalo isn’t as clinical as the 24-year old Frenchman, meaning Martial’s absence could be sorely felt.
James’ pace is the main issue that we’ll face this weekend, with the Welshman’s lightning speed and Djibril Sidibe’s defensive inconsistencies not looking like a fun combination for Ancelotti. If they can weather that though, they could feel confident enough to take all three points.
