Manchester United return to cup competition football with back to back home games against Everton and Charlton in the domestic cups. United are in a four game run of home fixtures including this pair and ending with a home match against Manchester City. Ten Hag’s team has hit a new level of confidence and form since the last time Ronaldo featured (a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa) as they have won six in a row. The epitome of this turnaround is Marcus Rashford. United’s number 10 has scored in the last seven consecutive home games and is United’s most dangerous player at the moment.
Everton are in crisis. They currently sit 17th in the league table following an embarrassing 4-1 loss to Brighton. Despite an excellent point at the Etihad, Everton are winless since late October. Even though Everton “tend” not to concede buckets of goals, their issue has been scoring them. Everton are the third lowest scorers in the league with a meagre 14 goals in 18 matches. Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray are the Toffees’ top goalscorers with just three goals each. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return is big for Everton but it won’t be able to help their defensive woes. The question is, can United take advantage of this collapse? Here’s all you need to know:
Manchester United vs Everton Match Information:
Teams: Manchester United and Everton
Date: Friday 6th January 2022
KO Time: 20:00 GMT
Location: Old Trafford
Managers: Erik ten Hag and Frank Lampard
Referee: Darren England
Team News:
Manchester United
Donny van de Beek looks to be out for a very long time after sustaining a serious injury against Bournemouth. He joins Axel Tuanzebe on the sidelines and United will likely be without the services of Jadon Sancho and Antony as well. Lisandro Martinez was welcomed back from World Cup triumph last match and could make his first start on Friday. Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot were fit for the bench on Tuesday and could start tomorrow as well.
Everton
Andre Onana and Anthony Gordon missed the last game due to suspension and injury respectively but should be available for selection. Former Reds, James Garner and Michael Keane won’t be fit to feature against United and will remain sidelined along with Andros Townsend and Nathan Patterson.
Interesting Facts:
- Everton have won one match in their last 29 away to Manchester United. That one victory came in 2013 under David Moyes’ short United tenure.
- Anthony Martial continued his exemplary record against Everton by assisting Antony earlier this season. This made it his 11th goal contribution (7 goals, 4 assists) in 14 games against the Toffees.
- The last time Manchester United faced Everton in the FA Cup, they won the competition.
- Scott McTominay has scored three goals in his last six FA Cup appearances.
Manchester United vs Everton Predicted XI:
I expect Manchester United to start this game strong and rest players against Charlton. De Gea is likely to feature against a team that has caused him problems in the past. Wan Bissaka shoudl keep his place to combat Gray’s good form while Martinez and Maguire should start to deal with the threat of Calvert Lewin’s movement and aerial threat. Luke Shaw should also keep his place while in such good form.
The midfield should have Fernandes back in it with Casemiro and Fred making the rest of the midfield. Eriksen was impressive against Bournemouth but will need a rest while Fred’s energy should help retain possession in Everton’s half. The front three is trickier. I would like to see Rashford and Martial keep their positions while Elanga could have a go on the right but I would not be surprised to see Garnacho start and Rashford begin on the right hand side.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Elanga, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Predicted Score:
I expect United to get over the line but not without some issues. Everton seem to turn up most times United play in recent times, regardless of form. It will be a tricky game but one United have the quality to navigate and progress to the next round.
United to win 2-0
