Manchester United will take on Everton at a fired-up Goodison Park, as the Toffees seek to climb out of the relegation zone after a devestating 10-point deduction for financial fair play breaches was imposed on them. Erik ten Hag’s side will seek to secure three points against the Blues as part of their efforts to climb towards the European spots. Read on for Last Word on Football’s team news and predicted lineup for Manchester United.
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Manchester United vs Everton Predicted Lineup & Team News
Ten Hag Issues Rally Cry Ahead of Goodison Park Battle
In principle, a match between a European giant and a relegation-fighting club is nothing out of the ordinary. In reality, neither of these sides is having an ordinary season, and arguably, are not where they belong in the table.
While Everton sits in 19th place on four points, they were looking much safer only a week ago, when a 10-point sanction was applied by an independent commission for a breach of the Premier Leagues’s profit and sustainability rules.
Everton’s leadership figures have expressed their intent to appeal the decision and the sanction, which they call “disproportionate”. Meanwhile, some fans have organised protests to express their discontent against the punishment.
Ten Hag and his Red Devils are under no illusion of what the atmosphere will be like in their away tie, as the Dutch manager has issued a call to his players to match their opposition’s intensity “if they are mad and that’s their fuel, we have to match those standards. When we match the standards, we have a very good chance to win the game.”
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United Showing Glimpses While Everton Begin to Impress
While performances have not been optimal and the Reds are yet to win by more than one goal in a league match, they have won four of their previous five league games, with the devestating 3-0 to neighbours Manchester City the only defeat.
While the results came against relatively weak sides; Luton, Sheffield United, Fulham and Brentford, fans can take hope from the fact that their side have been getting the job done. A convincing result against Sean Dyche’s side on Sunday could build and improve confidence in the dressing room and become a turning point for their season.
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Their opponents, Everton, have shown a surprising ability to produce someexceptional results, despite their financial situation hindering any marked improvement in the playing squad over the summer.
After a dire 2-1 loss to Luton Town at Goodison Park at the end of September, Everton’s form has markedly improved, beating Bournemouth 3-0, followed by a 2-0 loss to Liverpool, then a 1-0 away win and 1-1 draw against Europa League sides in West Ham and Brighton, respectively.
Last time out, they produced an unlikely thriller in South London against Crystal Palace as Idrissa Gueye snatched an 86th-minute winner to lead his side to a 3-2 victory.
Manchester United Team News
United’s head coach may have felt a huge lift in his mood after receiving a big boost ahead of Sunday’s tie, with Luke Shaw returning from injury for the first time since their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in August. Shaw’s technical prowess, strength and speed were crucial to his side’s successes last season, which led to former West Ham star Dean Ashton labelling him as an “incredible athlete”.
Similarly, Ten Hag will have been delighted to hear that goalkeeper Andre Onana is healthy after being forced off on international duty in a tie between his national side Cameroon’s victory over Mauritius. Expect him to feature in the starting lineup.
In contrast, however, the Dutch manager will be very concerned after reports revealed that Mason Mount has suffered yet another injury setback, as his calf injury worsened and is set to sideline him for at least another few weeks. A clearer timetable for his return should emerge in the coming days.
Rasmus Hojlund may also be a doubt for the tie, as the club revealed on Friday that a decision on whether he will be able to start will be reached closer to the matchday. Even if he is available, they may keep him on the bench to avoid aggravating any existing issues. Jonny Evans will not be available.
Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez are unlikely to return before late December at the earliest.
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Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Amrabat, Fernandes, Antony, Rashford, Martial
