Both Everton and Manchester United haven’t had the best of Premier League runs lately. Although United will take high confidence after their thumping 4-1 win over West Ham United, Everton will have their own motivation by the fact that a win at home will take them above the Red Devils in the points table.
Here ae 3 crucial battles which could decide the fate of the match.
Zlatan Ibrahimović vs Ashley Williams
Ibrahimović has scored in back to back matches for United now and his most impactful game was undoubtedly in the EFL Cup against West Ham United. His link up plays with Paul Pogba and Mkhitaryan were indicative of the sync finally coming into the United team, which was missing since day one. He will be excited to explore it further and Everton might be at the receiving end of it. Zlatan has already scored seven goals this season in 12 appearances and has a shot accuracy of 50%.
Everton surely have the capable back line to stop him although they have been heavily underwhelming so far. Koeman will trust his new recruit Ashley Williams to cover Ibra. A seasoned defender, who has experience at the highest levels, Williams is more than capable of doing the job. But, he has looked out of touch this season. He has won 12 tackles this season with a success rate of 36%. He has made 16 interceptions, 87 clearances and 13 blocks.
Henrik Mkhitaryan vs Leighton Baines
It will be an interesting battle and also a pretty deciding one. After raining praises on the Armenian international for his midweek’s performance, Mourinho is more than likely to start him against Everton. And Mkhitaryan is one of the most dangerous players to take on when he is in good touch. He was deadly during his Dortmund days, having blistering pace and skill to provide incisive passes and make runs into open spaces.
Koeman will be happy to have someone like Seamus Coleman to cover for him. Coleman has been a rare figure of positivity in Everton’s under-performing back line. His defensive and offensive attributes are way superior to most Premier League side backs and he has always been a threat on the right flank for the opponents. He has won 26 tackles so far with a success rate of 58%. He has made 14 interceptions, 28 clearances and seven blocks.
Romelu Lukaku vs Phil Jones
This is really the place where Everton could make it count. Lukaku has been the shining light for the Toffees this season. His goal drought is very much due to lack of chances created from the midfield. But, United’s defence is currently unstable with both Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling out with injury. Rojo hasn’t looked comfortable in the centre-back position and Jones has just returned from injury and has to take a lot of the burden.
Lukaku has a really good chance of making the headlines if can take the advantage. He has scored seven goals this season and has registered three assists. He has a shot accuracy of 73%.
