Manchester United will host David Moyes' Everton this weekend in the Premier League. Last season's memorable 4-4 draw will surely dominate the tactical discussions in both side's build up to the game; so lets take a look as to how United should line up for this massive fixture.
With a nine point margin over rivals Manchester City, Fergie will be keen to extend or at least maintain the lead. City will go to Southampton on the Saturday as favourites, but of course as proven by QPR and Liverpool, this is not always the case.
Manchester United Team: 4-4-2
David De Gea; Rafael, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra; Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Shinji Kagawa; Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie.
David de Gea looks set to maintain his place in the Manchester United starting eleven, like he has for much this season. The Spaniard has made some irrational mistakes so far this campaign, but no where near enough to counter his impressive, game-saving displays in a Manchester United shirt. The Spaniard continues to fight off competition from Anders Lindegaard, and looks to have finally established himself as the clubs number one.
This season has highlighted the massive improvement in maturity and ability young Rafael has gone through. The Brazilian looks to have finally made the right back position his own with his impressive attacking and defensive abilities. Sir Alex has relied on Rio Ferdinand for all his big games this season, and the 34 year old will have to be on his finest form against Everton. Nemanja Vidic will be a huge presence in the United back line, especially battling against Everton's star Marouane Fellaini. Fellaini's aerial prowess ran the show earlier this season, and Fergie will be delighted he can play his captain against the man who has tortured United for two games in a row. Patrice Evra has had a roller-coaster season so far for United. The Frenchman has 4 goals in all competitions this season for United, but is still failing to show similar form of old.
Antonio Valencia may be in a dire run of form right now, but on his day the Ecuadorian is a world beater. Fergie will need his number 7 full of confidence when he takes his side to Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League next Wednesday. The ever improving partnership of Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley should line up against Everton, despite the former missing out on international duty to injury. Cleverley on the whole had a decent game for England against Brazil as his typical quick, interlinking passes gave England a platform to work off and form attacks. Shinji Kagawa impressed on international duty as well for Japan with two assists. The Japanese star will look to finally cement his place in this Manchester United squad, after over coming some early season difficulties.
Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie is a no-brainer upfront, despite the impressive goal scoring form of Javier Hernandez this season. The Dutchman has 18 league goals this season for United and made his debut against Everton earlier on in the season, although coming on as a late substitute. Van Persie will be keen to level the score against Everton, after the Toffee's ensured that United didn't start the season quite as they intended. Wayne Rooney is in one of his 'hot streaks' as Sir Alex loves to call them, and has 10 goals in his last 10 games for United, as well as scoring the opener against Brazil in mid-week. The Englishman has struggled for form and fitness this season, but has finally come good at the most important time of the season.
United's two front men have 28 league goals between them this season, and will be crucial in downing David Moyes' men this weekend at Old Trafford.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG