Everton will entertain Manchester United at the Goodison Park on Wednesday as the teams look set to resume their Carabao Cup campaign. Having picked up 19 points from the last 21 available, Ole’s men will be heading into the game in high spirits, looking to continue their excellent run of form which changed their status to ‘title-contenders’. Nonetheless, the Toffees are also flying high at the moment as they recorded impressive victories against some big guns like Chelsea, Leicester, and Arsenal in recent weeks.
Team News
The visitors have been left sweating over the fitness of Scott McTominay as he picked up a groin injury which forced him off the pitch in the second-half vs Leeds. Luke Shaw (illness) remains another concern.
Victor Lindelof has been playing through pain (back) for some time now and might not be risked on Wednesday.
“I’ve been struggling a little bit with my back in the last couple of months but I’m always trying to do my best to help the team on the pitch and, overall, I think it’s been all right.” the Swedish international revealed.
On the other hand, there has been some positive news for the home side as James Rodriguez and Seamus Coleman are back in contention to return for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United. However, Allan (hamstring), Lucas Digne (ankle), and Fabian Delph (hamstring) all remain sidelined while Andre Gomes should be available after missing the win over Arsenal with a slight hamstring injury.
Talking Tactics
Everton form (all competitions): W-L-D-W-W-W
Manchester United form (all competitions): L-W-L-D-W-W
Carlo Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 formation consisting of two inverted wingers and fullbacks high up the pitch has benefitted Dominic Calvert-Lewin remarkably this season. The quick feet of Richarlison and Alex Iwobi on the flanks allow the tall Englishman to stay up in the box and look for space to unleash his powerful headers on target. Having won 81% of his duels in the Premier League this term, Harry Maguire is just the perfect candidate to be assigned with the job of neutralising the newly-prolific striker’s aerial threats.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will stick to his routine plan of setting up counter-attacks to break down the opposition defence. Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood’s prodigious pace on the wings might work wonders for the away side, especially in the absence of Allan from Everton’s midfield.
Predicted Line-ups
Everton possible starting XI:
Olsen; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey; Davies, Doucoure; Bernard, Rodriguez, Richarlison; Calvert-Lewin
Manchester United possible starting XI:
Henderson; Fosu-Mensah, Tuanzebe, Maguire, Telles; Matic, Pogba; Rashford, Greenwood, Van de Beek; Cavani
Our Prediction
Everton 1-2 Manchester United.
