The Premier League action resumes after the November international break with a clash between Everton and Manchester United on Matchday 13, scheduled for Sunday at Goodison Park.
The toffees were handed a 10-point deduction by the Premier League due to violations of Financial fair-play regulations (FFP) as a result the Merseyside club slid down to the 19th place in the relegation zone on the points table. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have appeared to have found some positives in spite of their initial struggles this season, following two consecutive narrow 1-0 wins against Fulham and Luton Town as they now occupy the 6th spot on the league table.
The recent setback has surely spoiled the mood in the Sean Dyche-led Everton camp as they aim to bounce back at home against an optimistic Ten Hag side, seeking to overturn the season’s scenario in their favor and get the better of the hosts.
When and Where?
Where: Goodison Park
When: Sunday, 26, November 2023.
Time: 4:30 PM GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: John Brooks.
Assistants: Lee Betts & Darren Cann.
Fourth Official: Andy Madley.
VAR Officials: Chris Kavanagh.
Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart.
Team news
For Toffees, Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli, and Andre Gomes are among the absentees nursing injuries. Amadou Onana joins the list as doubtful for the fixture.
While for the Red Devils list names Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen are out of selection. Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Pellistri, and Hojlund are doubtful.
Match Analysis
The English gaffer Sean Dyche‘s team’s morale would be down with the reduction of 10 points gained from a hard-fought series of wins. A similar formation is expected in the lineup against United as well. The 4-4-1-1 formation paved the way for four wins in the last seven matches and a draw, accumulating 13 points.
The Toffees won’t be considering any changes from the last 3-2 victory against Crystal Palace, maintaining the same back four of Young-Tarkowski-Braithwaite-Mykolenko, with the English national team shot-stopper Pickford in goal. In the midfield, Garner and Onana will operate in the center, with Harrison and McNiel as wide midfielders. Calvert-Lewin is positioned as a striker ahead of the creative Doucoure, who plays as an attacking midfielder.
On the other hand, the visitors will have an advantage coming into the fixture. Eric ten Hag is presumed to go with the familiar 4-2-3-1 tactical set-up that helped them secure four wins in the last five matches, collecting 12 points in total. The lineup is expected to be the same as the one in the last match against Luton Town at home.
Andre Onana is the goalkeeper, with a back four consisting of Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, and Reguilon. The defensive midfield pairing is Ambrat and McTominay, with Ambrat replacing Eriksen. Mount and Antony flank alongside Bruno Fernandes in the center of the trio, with Rashford as the striker.
Key Players
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The English striker is leading the attack for his side with his goal-scoring prowess and creative ability upfront. The 26-year-old forward is currently the club’s joint-top scorer alongside Abdoulaye Doucouré with three goals this term so far. Despite an initial injury setback, he has managed to find his way into the first eleven. Calvert-Lewin could pose a threat to Man United’s backline in the upcoming clash.
Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese midfield star of the Red Devils, Bruno Fernandes, has been consistent for his side, playing a significant role. The captain is currently the club’s top scorer and assists provider in the league this season, outclassing his fellow teammate forwards with five-goal contributions. Upon his return from a successful outing on international duty, the midfielder gears up to deliver a stellar performance on the pitch against Everton.
Predicted Lineups
Everton predicted line-up vs Man United: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Onana, Garner, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin.
Man United predicted lineup vs Everton: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Reguilon; Amrabat, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Mount; Rashford.