Match Preview - Everton v Manchester United

Competition: Premier League
Kick-Off & Date: 12pm, Saturday, 29th October 2011
Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool (Away)
Live TV Coverage: None (WatchMUFC)

Referee: Mark Halsey (Hertfordshire, England)
Assistants: Steve Bennett & Andy Halliday
Fourth Official: Phil Dowd


Form: Everton are fairing better than they did in last season's Barclays Premier League, currently in 13th position, but then any form would be better than that of their horrific demise of the last campaign. This term, The Toffees have won 5 of their 11 matches in all competitions. Recently, they suffered close defeats to Chelsea in both the League and the Carling League Cup. Everton last beat Fulham in the League, thanks to new boy Royston Drenthe.

United endured a tough few days following the 6-1 Derby Day hammering at Old Trafford, but send out the message of 'business as usual' on Tuesday with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Aldershot Town in the Carling League Cup. The Red Devils are second in the Premier League, and will want to maintain that position at the weekend. Sir Alex Ferguson's side have lost just one match in all competitions all season, but have suffered four draws.


The Injury Front: Everton's fit players are looking in fine fettle, but The Merseysiders do have a couple of staff on the sickbed. Royston Drenthe is suspended, after picking-up a red card in the midweek loss to Chelsea at Goodison Park. Former Red Devil and brother to Gary Neville - Phil Neville - is out with a hamstring problem, with the captains armband being wore elsewhere. Victor Anichebe is out, and Tim Cahill is a doubt. 

Squad: Howard, Heitinga, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Barkley, Fellaini, Osman, Rodwell, Stracqualursi, Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Vellios, Gueye, Saha, Coleman, Hahnemann.


United are in good shape as well, but Ashley Young is a major concern, after sustaining a problem with his feet. Rafael Da Silva is back in training, but is unlikely to make an appearance due to his fitness. Jonny Evans is suspended, but Nemanja Vidic and Tom Cleverley are back from injury. According to many media outlets during the week, Rio Ferdinand will be dropped by Sir Alex following his nightmare at The Theatre Of Dreams last Sunday.

Squad: De Gea, Lindegaard, Amos, Smalling, Fabio, Evans, Ferdinand, Vidic, Jones, Cleverley, Evra, Valencia, Nani, Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Park, Young, Berbatov, Diouf, Hernandez, Owen, Rooney, Welbeck.

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The Gaffer: David Moyes has been tipped to succeed Sir Alex at Old Trafford when the world's best manager of 25 years eventually calls it quits. But for now, Moyes is managing Everton, and he has brought stability to The Toffees after last season's gaffe. The 48-year-old Scotland born boss has been at Everton since 2002.

Most-Feared: Jack Rodwell has had scouts from Manchester United and some of Europe's other top footie clubs attending Goodison Park on a regular basis, and the 20-year-old England youth regular has a good reason for that. At 6ft 2in, the versatile but strong midfielder has helped Everton make a name for themselves...  

The Ref: Mark Halsey has returned to The FA after a battle with cancer, which Sir Alex talked about with the referee on many occasions, and wished him well. The 50-year-old from Hertfordshire last presided over a United game in May of 2009, in a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough. Now for October of 2011...

United Latest's Prediction: Everton 0-3 United
- Wayne Rooney hat-trick ?