Manchester United will try to keep their winning juggernaut going when they host Everton in the FA Cup third round on Friday.
Everton will have a tough task at hand when they face an in-form Manchester United, who have defied the odds this term. The Red Devils thrashed Bournemouth 3-0 in the Premier League this week, while Everton were handed a crushing defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Two consecutive losses at the start of the season had almost rolled back the difficulties for Manchester United. But Erik ten Hag has managed to steady the ship with an attacking and entertaining brand of football.
Manchester United’s recent showings have helped them leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur to the fourth place, and they are comfortably in the top four. However, their longings for a trophy might only be quenched by the two cup competitions they are competing in right now.
The Premier League title race could yet to be decided with Manchester United playing a part. But Arsenal have shown no intention to slow down, and UEFA Champions League qualification might be the best way to conclude United’s top-flight campaign.
For Everton, it could be a make-or-break game for Frank Lampard, whose fate could be sealed with the outcome of the clash against Manchester United. The Toffees have not registered a win since their victory over Crystal Palace back in October last year. And Lampard is under tremendous pressure to deliver.
They already lost once against the Red Devils on their home turf when Cristiano Ronaldo was on the score sheet. And Everton will be gunning for an unlikely victory over Manchester United on Friday night.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester United
Preparations for Friday night football are go! ⚽️#MUFC || #FACup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 5, 2023
Erik ten Hag has been boosted by the return of Antony, who joined the practice session and should be available for selection. Donny van de Beek suffered a horrific injury and could be sidelined for a longer period.
Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez appeared for a brief period in the win over Bournemouth. And they should be ready for the game. Anthony Martial should be available despite getting a minor knock in the last clash.
David de Gea kept his third consecutive clean sheet, and the Spaniard remains a key figure in the manager’s plans. He will once again be called upon, while the regular defensive pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane should rearguard the goal.
Tyrell Malacia should take up the position on the left to provide a breather to Luke Shaw, and Diogo Dalot should start on the right. Casemiro has been a dominant figure in the middle of the pitch, and he will be assisting Christian Eriksen.
Marcus Rashford has already hit double figures this season, and he will hope to continue his form against Everton. The English international should get the nod on the left flank, while Antony should start on the opposite side. Bruno Fernandes will ply his trade between the two wingers and Anthony Martial will lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Dalot, Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Everton
Amadou Onana will be available after serving his suspension, while Anthony Gordon should return to the squad. James Garner, Michael Keane, Andros Townsend and Nathan Patterson will miss this clash due to injuries.
Jordan Pickford conceded four in the last match and will try to rectify his mistakes against the Red Devils. Conor Coady and James Tarkowski will have the responsibility to snuff out any danger approaching the Toffees’ goal.
Seamus Coleman and Vitaliy Mykolenko will complete the defensive setup. Amadou Onana’s return could be a big advantage as he can form the double pivot with Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the pitch.
Alex Iwobi will be the most creative midfielder for Everton, and the former Arsenal man will be driving the creative energy from the midfield. Demarai Gray scored an excellent equaliser against Manchester City. And on his return to Manchester, he could be aiming for some similar fireworks.
Dwight McNeil will get the nod on the right flanks and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will try to inflict some damage with his massive presence up front.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Onana, Gueye, Iwobi; McNeil, Calvert-Lewin, Gray
Key Stats
- Everton have managed just one victory in their last 29 visits to Old Trafford in all competitions.
- Everton’s all four eliminations in the third round have come up against Premier League sides.
- Frank Lampard is yet to lose a match in the FA Cup against Manchester United having won twice and drawn one as a player and even eliminated them in the semifinal in 2019/20.
- Manchester United have only crashed out from FA Cup third round two times in 37 appearances.
- This will be the first third-round meeting between the two sides in the FA Cup.
Player to Watch
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has been Erik ten Hag’s go-to player for goals. The 25-year-old has already struck 12 times in all competitions this campaign, and he will be bracing for another goal in another competition.
Expect the English international to make his mark for Manchester United again. And another solid showing might again prove why ten Hag is obsessed with the idea of tying Rashford to a bumper new long-term contract.
Prediction
Manchester United 2-0 Everton
Manchester United should take the advantage of their home comfort, as their performance at Old Trafford has been top-notch. They have been beaten just once since October last year, and an eight-match unbeaten run could be waiting in the offing.
On the other hand, Everton cannot catch a break, with their tumultuous times continuing. But Frank Lampard will take heart from the Toffees’ stalemate against Manchester City last week. However, Manchester United will be too strong for the visitors, grabbing a 2-0 win on Friday.
