3) Mata – Barry
Mata has been the United star to miss out since the arrivals of Falcao and Angel Di Maria, but with Wayne Rooney suspended has a chance to win his place back. Van Gaal seems to doubt the work-rate and tenacity of the talented Spaniard, so he must put in serious effort off the ball as well as on it to prove his worth to his manager.
Barry’s positioning and tactical nous will be vital for an Everton team that will be attacked from the first minute. If Barry can cut off the supply to Mata he can isolate Robin Van Persie and Falcao up front; but he will also have to worry about Di Maria drifting inside from the left.