United And Everton Seek Improvement In North-West Derby

A lot has been made of Manchester United`s less than brilliant start to life under Louis Van Gaal though the Red Devils are eight places higher than Europa League hopefuls and tomorrow`s (5th October, 12:00) opponents Everton who languish just three places and two points above the relegation zone. Despite being one of the Premier League`s highest scorers after their first six games, Roberto Martinez`s men have conceded 14 times already having kept only one solitary clean sheet since the start of the season. The Toffees have struggled juggling life in Europe with their Premier League exploits and are without a win in four since the commencement of their two matches a week routine. An early Romelu Lukaku goal couldn`t help the Merseyside club grab a win over Crystal Palace after being cancelled out by a Mile Jedinak first-half penalty and two second-half goals from Fraizer Campbell and Yannick Bolasie. A successfully converted Leighton Baines penalty was only good for reducing the deficit as the Blues fell to a 3-2 home defeat. A last-gasp stunner from Phil Jagielka was necessary to stop Everton recording two defeats in as many games against fierce local rivals Liverpool. The 32-year-old`s 90th minute goal leveling after Steven Gerrard`s second-half opener.

United successfully bounced back from their 5-3 humiliation at the hands of Premier League newcomers Leicester City with a 2-1 victory at home to West Ham United. The Old Trafford outfit managed to cling on for the win after a late red card for captain Wayne Rooney lifted the Hammers` heads as they pursued a valuable point away from home. Early goals from the offending Rooney and Robin van Persie, the Dutchman`s second in as many games, prevented Diafra Sakho`s strike from being anything other than a consolation goal for Sam Allardyce`s men.

The price is 4/6 with a number of bookmakers on the red half of Manchester celebrating at quarter to five tomorrow though United`s eleven will have to be cautious against Everton who are a solid away side. The Merseysider`s are yet to taste defeat on their travels and are 24/5 with Stan James to add another three points to their tally accumulated on the road. This points total currently stands at five from three games. boylesports have the best price for a draw, 10/3 saying that the match will end in a deadlock.

Van Gaal`s defensive woes have lifted somewhat with youngster Tyler Blackett returning after serving his one game ban. The 20-year-old is set to battle it out with youth player Paddy McNair to partner Argentina international Marcus Rojo at centre-back. First-teamers Jonny Evans (ankle), Phil Jones (hamstring) and Chris Smalling (groin) are all still recovering from knocks though Jones may be fit enough to take his seat on the bench for tomorrow`s clash. bet365 are offering 13/8 on United keeping their first clean sheet since their 4-0 hammering of Queens Park Rangers whilst it is 12/5 (betway) on a home win to nil.

Further up the field, Juan Mata is set to replace banned Wayne Rooney with Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera also out after colliding with referee Lee Mason in the side`s win over West Ham last weekend. Having fracturing his rib, the 25 year old is expected to be sidelined for between four and six weeks.

Martinez will also have to consider injuries to a number of his key players with Kevin Mirallas (hamstring) out and Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy both doubtful.

A match-up between two of the league`s highest scoring teams and with Everton`s propensity to let in at least a couple of goals per game, perhaps the bet of the match is with Betvictor who have 3/5 on over 2.5 goals being scored.

Go To bet365

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04/10/2014     © Frixo 2026