Manchester United are given another chance to show their Premier League title credentials when they travel to Everton on Saturday (today).
The Red Devils will need to improve on their recent record in the blue half of Merseyside, however, having lost on each of their last three visits to Goodison Park.
While the Toffees may have made themselves hard to beat this season, losing just two of their opening 10 games in all competitions, a lack of consistency has cost them so far.
While the Toffees may have made themselves hard to beat this season, losing just two of their opening 10 games in all competitions, a lack of consistency has cost them so far.
Sitting two points off a Champions League place at this stage of the campaign is certainly not a bad way to start things, though, particularly on the back of last year’s disappointment.
Everton have yet to win back-to-back league games, but when considering that they have faced Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool since the end of August, things become a little clearer.
Take the last five games, for example – a run that has seen the Blues remain unbeaten – and a combined nine points from tough-looking games against Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs has to be seen as a good return.
Throw into the mix that Everton follow up Saturday’s meeting with United by travelling to face Arsenal, and you certainly have some sympathy for boss Roberto Martinez who has instilled a strong belief into his dressing room.
All the Spaniard can do is set his side up to continue making themselves tough to beat, while picking up points which keep them in contention for a Champions League berth come the season’s end.
Everton have yet to win back-to-back league games, but when considering that they have faced Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool since the end of August, things become a little clearer.
Take the last five games, for example – a run that has seen the Blues remain unbeaten – and a combined nine points from tough-looking games against Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs has to be seen as a good return.
Throw into the mix that Everton follow up Saturday’s meeting with United by travelling to face Arsenal, and you certainly have some sympathy for boss Roberto Martinez who has instilled a strong belief into his dressing room.
All the Spaniard can do is set his side up to continue making themselves tough to beat, while picking up points which keep them in contention for a Champions League berth come the season’s end.
That is ultimately the goal for the Toffees, particularly when considering the form of certain rivals, but if they are to achieve that target then certain improvements will have to be made.
Everton remain the only side yet to have scored from a set piece, which is largely down to the unfortunate absence of specialist Leighton Baines at full-back.
Everton remain the only side yet to have scored from a set piece, which is largely down to the unfortunate absence of specialist Leighton Baines at full-back.
The England international is still a couple of weeks away from making a comeback, although Martinez will be boosted by the return of John Stones and a fit-and-firing Ross Barkley in midfield to provide the attacking ammunition.
Everton possible starting lineup: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway; McCarthy, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Naismith; Lukaku.
Manchester United possible starting lineup: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Blind, Darmian, Schneiderlin, Carrick, Mata, Rooney, Young, Martial.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
