Preview: Everton v. United
United will go to Everton hoping not to repeat the flat performance at home to Middlesbrough last week, that gave few hints of the thrilling display to come against AC Milan just four days later.
Such is the paradox of English football – success is punished by a ferocious match schedule – that United will hope to come away with at least a draw and no injuries. The title is Sir Alex’s priority but on this occasion, the Premiership must surely be a secondary consideration when the chance of a Champions League final place is just 90 minutes away.
United have scored in each of the 28 games that followed defeat at West Ham last December. With the title in sight, Sir Alex will hope his re-modelled defence stands firm at Goodison Park and will be cheered by a glance at the record books - Everton have beaten United only once in their last 23 Premiership clashes.
Boss David Moyes will hope for improvement as Everton, their eye on Uefa qualification, look to inflict maximum damage on United’s title aspirations and avenge a 3-0 reverse at Old Trafford earlier in the season.
The Merseyside team must fancy their chances at home to a depleted United likely to be drained following their midweek exertions. England attacker Andy Johnson is struggling to be fit as the home side seeks to forget the recent defeat against lowly West Ham.
Add the sideshow of the libel suit filed by thin-skinned Moyes against United tyro Wayne Rooney and the match is unlikely to be a dull affair.
