In what is one of the most intriguing Premier League fixtures of the weekend, Everton host Man United today in a big TV match-up that could see the Toffees leapfrog Jose Mourinho’s men in the league table.
Currently just a point behind the Red Devils, Ronald Koeman’s team have a chance to make a statement and put their hat back in the ring for European qualification this season.
The form from both sides heading into the game is actually quite similar with a struggling Man United actually picking up more points in the last six Premier League fixtures than Everton – the Red Devils have secured one win and four draws in that time frame with Everton likewise picking up a win but also losing three of the six.
Crucially for Everton, they’re undefeated in their last nine Premier League games at home, proving they are a very difficult outfit to get past in front of their own passionate supporters.
If Koeman’s team can pick up the win it’d be a huge step forward, a massive confidence boost and potentially the launching point for an extended run of good form.
This is the XI that we think Koeman should select in order to pile more misery on Mourinho’s men…
GK: Maarten Stekelenburg
Maarten Stekelenburg has been Koeman’s first choice goalkeeper this season and despite only keeping three clean sheets, he is the best option.
Encouragingly for supporters, Stekelenburg’s finest performance of the season came against United’s city rivals at the Etihad, when he saved eight shots on target and secured a 1-1 draw for his side.
If he can raise his game to a similar level on Sunday, Man United will find it tough to get past the Dutch international.
RB: Seamus Coleman
Fan favourite Seamus Coleman has again shown this season that he is one of Everton’s biggest players.
He’s a steady hand defensively and useful as an attacking outlet having scored two goals this season for the Toffees.
His dribbling ability is amongst the best in the division for his position, as shown in September against Middlesborough when his solo run and finish contributed to a 3-1 victory.
Now an eight-year veteran with the club, the 28-year-old is likely to feed off the energy of the Goodison crowd and put in a fine performance against Mourinho’s men.
CB: Phil Jagielka
Phil Jagielka has been Everton’s rock at the back in recent years.
Facing an in-form Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a new Premier League test for the England international and will likely be one of the toughest of his career.
Always a committed performer, fans will know that at the very least their big centre-back will put it all on the line to keep Man United out on Sunday.
CB: Ashley Williams
Powerful defender Ashley Williams loves a battle and knows he will get one on Saturday in opposing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
A new signing this season at Goodison, his partnership with Jagielka is still a work-in-progress. Everton fans will find out a lot about how far that relationship has come after the visit of Mourinho’s men.
At 32 Williams is as experienced as it gets and has played some of the best football of his career in 2016, helping Wales in that incredible Euro 2016 run.
Like Jagielka, Williams is confident enough with the ball to play out of the back and that could be key for Koeman’s side at the weekend.
LB: Leighton Baines
Hometown hero Leighton Baines is a true Toffee and another in Everton’s backline that can be relied upon consistently.
With crossing and set piece ability that can cut open opposition defences, like Coleman, he can be a key attacking threat.
He returned from an injury two weeks ago against Swansea after almost two months out and is yet to hit peak form, but doing so against Man United would prove to be perfect timing due to the importance of the encounter.
At the very least he will run himself into the ground for the Everton shirt and that’s why he’s a no brainer to pick at left-back.
CM: Gareth Barry
In the twilight of a career that has produced over 600 Premier League appearances, Gareth Barry has shown this season he can still be relied upon in the heart of Everton’s midfield.
Anchoring the Toffees’ engine room vs. Man United will be one of his most important 90 minutes of the season and is a chance for him to prove he can still produce the goods against the elite clubs.
His best performance of the campaign so far came away to West Brom in August, in which he got on the scoresheet for only the 4th time in his Everton career. A further goal against Middlesbrough in September has shown there’s life in the old dog yet and Man United would be foolish to underestimate him at the weekend.
CM: Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye has fast made a name for himself in Everton colours since moving from relegated Aston Villa in the summer.
A series of strong and aggressive performances in midfield have made him a fans’ favourite at Goodison just 13 games into his career at the club.
A ferocious competitor with the ability to tackle well, anticipate loose passes and hold onto the ball, he’ll be the platform on which Everton build, and he could well be Koeman’s most important performer.
LW: Yannick Bolasie
Another summer arrival in Koeman’s new-look Everton side, Bolasie is still adjusting to life at Goodison but is already putting in some important performances.
Assists against Sunderland, Middlesborough, Manchester City and West Ham have all contributed to wins or draws this season, while a goal at Burnley looked like enough to rescue a point at Turf Moor before a last minute Arfield strike saw victory for the home side.
He’ll be a key attacking force vs. Man United and if his team-mates can feed him in good areas, he has the quality to pierce the Red Devils’ defence and provide for Lukaku.
AM: Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley isn’t quite hitting the best form of his Everton career, something we saw more consistently last season, but is still Everton’s best option supporting Lukaku in this 4-2-3-1 formation.
Barkley has contributed two Premier League goals this season, most crucially in a 1-1 home draw with Spurs in August, showing he can perform in the big games against the best teams.
Good performances against West Ham and Swansea in recent weeks have shown that he is beginning to get back to his best and everyone knows he has the raw ability to be a match-winner vs. United.
RW: Aaron Lennon
Aaron Lennon hasn’t quite replicated the best of his Tottenham form since moving to Everton but still offers a unique threat for Koeman’s side.
Despite starting just three games this season, he’s been given the nod in their last two Premier League matches and deserves a run in the team to prove he can do the business, given the lack of contribution from Kevin Mirallas this season.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku has been Everton’s top performer this season by quite a distance and if there’s one man who can punish Mourinho’s side, it’s him.
The Belgian striker has scored seven goals already this campaign, while also chipping in with three assists.
He hasn’t scored at Goodison since October and will be hoping he can thrill his passionate home supporters once again on Sunday.
