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Everton will be looking to put Wednesday’s disappointing 3-2 loss to Crystal Palace behind them when they welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park this weekend. Despite the defeat to Palace the race for Champions League football is still very much alive for Roberto Martinez’s side, and they will be desperate for all 3 points on Sunday as they attempt to leapfrog Arsenal who currently sit in 4th place.
Romelu Lukaku will be hoping to add to his 13 Premier League goals on Sunday. The striker who is on loan from Chelsea has been in impressive form this season and is currently Everton’s leading goal scorer. The Belgian international has made 28 appearances so far this term and has made 85 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) for his side, including 7 assists.
Steven Naismith has also been one of Everton’s stand out men this season. Naismith’s goal against Palace was his 5th of the season and he will be hoping for another one this weekend.
Martinez will be hoping Sylvain Distin will continue to be Everton’s dominant force at the back as they look to keep out a strong United attack. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index the Frenchman has made 376 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) this season, winning 75% of his total 64 attempted.
David Moyes returns to Goodison Park for the first time as Manchester United boss on Sunday, and he will be looking for his side to continue their recent good run of form. United have won 3 of their last 4 games and they currently sit in 7th position 9 points adrift of Everton who are currently 5th. When the sides met in December the Toffees came out 1-0 winners after a late Bryan Oviedo strike, and Moyes will be desperate to avoid a repeat of this defeat.
Sunday will also see former Toffee Marouane Fellaini return to Goodison Park for the first time since his summer move to Manchester. Fellaini spent 5 seasons on Merseyside before his £27.5 million move. The 26 year old has made 18 appearances so far this season making 19 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses).
With Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie both sidelined through injury David Moyes will be hoping Danny Welbeck can add to the 9 goals he has already scored this season. Welbeck has made 21 appearances and has a 53% shot accuracy with 16 of his 30 attempts hitting the target.
Patrice Evra should make his 31st Premier League appearance of the season this weekend. Evra has been nearly ever-present for the Red Devils so far, and EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he has been United’s strongest defender. The Frenchman has made 289 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) including 156 clearances and 47 interceptions. The Index also shows he has won 73% of the 100 tackles he has attempted.
