Everton and Manchester United will be the final two clubs to restart their Premier League campaigns after the latest international break, which will be the last extended break until the spring.
This particular matchup has quietly been one of the toughest for Everton in recent years, as the Toffees haven't won against United since a 1-0 win over the Red Devils at Goodison Park on April 9, 2022, with the lone goal coming from Anthony Gordon.
More recent matches have led to either draws (2-2 this February at Goodison) or a thumping of the Blues by United.
Old Trafford has been especially unkind, with Everton not having won there since December 4, 2013, another 1-0 win, this time via a goal from Bryan Oviedo. The United manager that day, of course, was David Moyes, with former Everton stars Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini starting for the Scots' side.
So saying that Everton have had a poor time in their travels down the M62 would be a bit of an understatement. Such is the state of Everton Football Club against the country's most recognizable clubs in recent years.
Form and Table Position
It doesn't help that the Red Devils are coming out of an unbeaten October, winning all three matches, including a 2-1 win over Liverpool, although they are coming off two straight away 2-2 draws against Forest and Spurs.
The Toffees' fall has not been nearly as successful, however. They kicked off October with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson, but two straight defeats to Manchester City and Spurs followed. However, the last two matches — a 1-1 draw away to Sunderland and a 2-0 win over Fulham before the break — might have lifted spirits.
Everton come into the match sitting in 13th place in the Premier League table, having earned 15 points in 11 matches. The hosts sit in 10th with 18 points, so a win for Everton would draw the clubs even on points, with the Toffees able to climb above the Red Devils if the win is by more than a single goal.
Injury Updates
Everton continue to be without Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson due to long-term injury. Moyes noted that midfielder Merlin Röhl had surgery for a hernia over the break, so he'll miss a few weeks.
As for United, they'll be missing Benjamin Šeško after the striker injured his knee in training this week, and center backs Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are doubtful for the match. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also a doubt, having missed United's last match away to Spurs.
There is also some speculation about Matheus Cunha's availability after a strange occurrence over the weekend, but nothing has been confirmed by the club.
How to Watch
In the UK, the match will be available on Sky Sports' Premier League and Main Event, with pre-match coverage starting at 6:30 PM local time. Kick off is scheduled for 8 PM.
In the US, the match can be seen on the USA Network or on NBC.com, with kick off set for 3 PM ET/2 PM CT/12 PM PT.