Patrick Rees
After winning just one of their last seven Premier League games, the red half of Manchester – Manchester United – are now preparing themselves for the next showdown of the League fixture, as a trip to the Goodison Park has been scheduled for the 13th week of the Premier League.
Manchester United are cruising on the European stage and the domestic competition as well, but their league form is something to worry about and Everton could well benefit from them. It has been four months into the league and Mourinho still has no permanent starting XI and this is one of the many reasons why United are struggling in the final third.
Everton, on the other hand, are also without a win in three games. Talking in terms of the head to head encounters, Everton have proved to be worthy opponents for the Devils, both have won four apiece in their last eight encounters.
In what will be a must-win game for both the clubs, Mourinho is expected to field a tough side at the Merseyside and here is the predicted lineup for Manchester United:
Goalkeeper: David De Gea-
The Spanish flyer made a horrendous mistake in the game EFL tie against West Ham, but United came out as a clear winner. He is sure to keep his place in the side, but his hope to keep the fifth clean sheet in the League is in jeopardy as Lukaku will vying to end his three-match goal drought.
Defenders: Valencia; Jones; Rojo; Blind-
The 31-year-old Ecuadorian international has been a rock for the side. Even though he needs to improve his crossing skills, his involvement in the final third and on the defensive end of the field has been unmatchable. A clear favourite to start ahead of Darmian.
The centre-back partnership is expected to be the same; Jones-Rojo, as the first choices are nursing their injuries and are not expected to be the part of the fixture. Both Jones and Rojo have been a pure revelation for the side as the chemistry between them has been phenomenal. Both Bailly and Smalling will have to train hard to dispossess the defensive duo of Jones and Rojo.
It could have been Shaw on the left flank, but the former Southampton man seems to be upsetting Mourinho a lot. He was substituted at half-time in the last game and Blind is now expected to take the mantle against the Toffees.
Holding Pair: Herrera; Pogba-
The duo has been a match made in heaven for United this season as the former is deployed to intercept the attacks and the latter is deployed to launch a quick counter.
Herrera, especially, has been a completely different man compared to last season, as his dedication in wearing his shirt is seen in every move he makes. Though he needs to time his tackles a bit, he could well be a perfect replacement for Michael Carrick.
Pogba, on the other hand, is still adjusting to the premier league but one can see that he is improving with every game. He missed the EFL tie due to suspension and will be looking to add more numbers up to his tally. A sure starter.
Attacking Trio: Mkhitaryan; Mata; Martial-
With Rooney suspended for the game, fan favourite Juan Mata is expected to take the number 10 spot and will be looking to be at his best, as he is the man who could completely turn the tables with his incisive passing.
Furthermore, the manager was very well impressed by the performance of Mkhitaryan in the recent fixtures, hence, he could be included in the game on the right wing and will be looking to get the better of Leighton Baines.
The other flank will most probably be occupied by the man who scored a brace in the last fixture – Anthony Martial. The French international has shown at times that what kind of damage he can do when he is at his best and this he will be up against Coleman, who is a tricky customer himself. So, Martial needs to be on his toes throughout the game in both offensive and defensive situations.
Striker: Ibrahimovic-
The striker needs no introduction!
With his brace against West Ham United last time out, he reached the double figures and will be looking to stretch the numbers against Ashley Williams and Jagielka. Not an easy task to do, but Dare to Zlatan!
