Premier League [Preview]: Manchester United vs Everton

Manchester United will look to maintain their bright start to the Premier League campaign when they Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Red Devils had a perfect record in the top-flight until last weekend where they had to settle for a point against Mark Hughes’ Stoke City. They are still at the top of the standings with 10 points just ahead of cross-city rivals Manchester City on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Everton have slumped to back-to-back defeats against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, and they find themselves in 16th place with just four points. Ronald Koeman’s side have struggled to score goals regularly in the opening weeks of the campaign, and the Dutchman is already under pressure to deliver results.

Previous meeting:

The last outing between the clubs ended in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Phil Jagielka opened the scoring for the Toffees with a wonderful backheel effort and it took United until the 94th minute to equalise with Zlatan Ibrahimovic converting from the penalty shot.

Players to watch for:

Romelu Lukaku – Manchester United:

The Belgium international has amassed four goals in his opening four games for United. Lukaku has already cemented his place as the club’s central striker, and he will hope to get on the scoresheet against his former club on Sunday. The 24-year-old notched 25 goals for the Merseyside outfit last term while guiding to a seventh place finish.

Wayne Rooney – Everton:

Like Lukaku, Wayne Rooney will be facing United for the first time since his summer exit. Rooney ended his 13-year stint with United as their top-scorer with 253 goals, and he could expect an overwhelming reception from the Old Trafford faithful. The veteran has scored both of Toffees’ league goals this term, and they are more or less dependant on him to find the net.

Prediction:

Manchester United should dominate the game irrespective of Paul Pogba’s absence. Mourinho has brought a fresh flair into their style of play, and the Toffees are up for a tough afternoon.

Manchester United 2-0 Everton

Image – Getty