Everton vs. Manchester United Premier League preview
By Gary Pearson
Everton, after a string of disappointing results, are in dire need of a strong, committed performance when Manchester United come calling on Sunday.
While the result is always the most important facet of a football match, Everton need to put in a 90-minute workmanlike performance to assuage growing frustration around Merseyside.
Recent form
The Blues, in the last six games, have the third worst record in the Premier League. Gaining five points from six games isn’t good enough, especially from a club with European aspirations. Only relegation contenders Hull City (4 points) and Crystal Palace (0 points) have fared worse in that span.
To right the ship, Everton need to show unwavering commitment to the cause, something that’s been missing in previous weeks.
On the other hand, United have turned into the draw masters of the Premier League, taking a share of the spoils in five of their last seven games. Only Spurs have drawn more matches than United, but the Red Devils are drawing matches recently at an alarming rate.
Taking 10 of 18 points on their travels, United are enjoying their football more in hostile environments than they are at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have won only 28 percent of their home matches thus far this season, a truly dismal return.
Team news
Everyone is available for Everton barring long-term injury absentee Mohamed Besic, who should return to action in February.
In Mourinho’s camp, Luke Shaw might miss out due to yet another injury while Eric Bailly (knee) and Chris Smalling (toe) are also expected to sit this one out. Wayne Rooney is serving a one-match ban and will not feature against his former club.
Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini, however, are both back from suspension and available for selection.
What Everton must do to win
Once again, Everton must cut out basic mistakes. Easier said than done. While it sounds obvious, a lot of recent Everton pain has been self-inflicted.
The team must put in a 90-minute performance for the first time since beating West Ham over a month ago. They also need to show the fighting spirit Toffees supporters deserve. Too many players appeared disinterested against Southampton, lacking the will or desire to track back, support each other and compete for every 50/50 challenge.
And what Everton vs. United article would be complete without mentioning both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku.
Paul Pogba and Ibrahimovic have combined to create the most chances of any duo in England’s top flight. Yet they’ve missed their fare share of opportunities, which Toffees supporters could interpret two ways. Either they’re due to capitalise, or they’re destined for more frustrating moments in front of goal. Let’s hope for the latter.
Phil Neville said in Football Today that Ibrahimovic could have 20 goals had he put away every chance.
Next: Everton scouting report: Manchester United
He still, however, has seven Premier league goals, which accounts for 39 percent of United’s 18 league goals. United’s chances have so far this season almost entirely depended on whether the Swede scores.
In all competitions, United have lost only one of eight matches when the Swedish talisman scores. It’s a record that includes six wins and a draw. Their only loss came in a 2-1 home defeat against the blue side of Manchester.
His counterpart Lukaku is in the midst of scoring drought. He hasn’t bagged a goal in 310 minutes. An apathetic figure against Southampton, Lukaku needs to get amongst the action to either create some luck or force a defensive mistake. No one cares if it’s ugly as long as the big Belgian ends this barren goalless spell.