Some of the key battles which will decide Sunday’s game between Manchester United and Everton.
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Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United got the points they desperately needed against West Ham, but rode their luck at times and by no means looked back to their best. They will need to be much better against an Everton side who are looking to kick-start their league form. If United’s superstars turn up they can win the day, but Roberto Martinez’s men will have other plans.
5) Eto’o – Blind
Evergreen Samuel Eto’o scored a vital goal against Krasnodar in midweek, proving that while his legs may be going, his movement and finishing are still razor sharp. He may start from the bench, but will be used if the Toffees are struggling. Daley Blind must use his physical abilities to shut down the Cameroonian striker when he drops deep, while simultaneously helping out his full-backs against Baines and Coleman’s forward raids.
4) McNair/Blackett – Lukaku
Paddy McNair was called up the the Manchester United first team last week, and performed so well he may well keep his place, even as Tyler Blackett returns from suspension.
Whichever of the inexperienced youngsters plays will have their work cut out against Romelu Lukaku, who is a huge threat despite a relatively quiet start to the season. The Belgian forward’s pace and power scare even top defenders and he will look to target the vulnerable United defence on the break. Whoever plays must be ready for a long afternoon.
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.
2) Coleman – Shaw
Seamus Coleman has emerged as Everton’s secret weapon over the last few seasons, with teams all too often distracted by Leighton Baines’ threat down the left. Coleman will have plenty of space to work with, as Di Maria tends to move inside, and must make the most of it to allow Everton to threaten.
Up against him is Luke Shaw, who started his first game for Manchester United against West Ham. Shaw’s fitness was criticised by his manager over the summer, and he has the perfect chance to prove Van Gaal wrong tomorrow, as Coleman will attack him all day. If Shaw can contain the thread of the Irish fullback, he will go a long way to regaining his manager’s trust.
1) Falcao – Stones
John Stones is playing well for Everton, but will be dreading his matchup with Radamel Falcao, especially coming off a tiring midweek game in Russia. Falcao’s movement in and around the box is exemplary, and Stones cannot switch off for a moment.
Falcao has two assists from his two games for United, proving he is more than just a goalscorer, but he will be keen to bag his first goal for the club.