Manchester United 3-2 Fulham
Having lost in their opening fixture away to Everton, Manchester United knew they would need a win in their first home Premier League game. Going into this match however they were facing a confident Fulham who had breezed aside Norwich 5-0 just a week earlier in one of the most impressive performances of the opening week.
The confidence of Fulham showed from the opening whistle and after just 141 seconds Fulham had raced out to a 1-0 lead thanks to a Damien Duff finish inside the penalty area from a Bryan Ruiz free kick. Their lead however was to be short lived and less than 8 minutes later Robin Van Persie would open his account for United as he banged in a beauty.
After equalising United pushed hard for another goal and their pressure told as they scored their second of the match with new signing Shinji Kagawa putting in from close range after a Mark Schwarzer save landed at his feet. It seemed after this goal that United would want to put Fulham to the sword and bag themselves as many as they could get. Just minutes after taking the lead the ball was in the net again thanks to Rafael, though it was ruled offside as United sought to increase their lead. The pressure eventually told as they claimed a 3rd goal before half time, again it was Rafael who put the ball in the net, this time he was onside as United appeared to have the game in the bag before half time.
Sadly for Manchester United fans their team has a habit of making life harder than it needs to be and midway through the second half goal keeper David De Gea and captain Nemanja Vidic collided in mid air going for the same cross. Somehow the ball caught Vidic on the heel before rolling into the net in what will like be one of the most bizarre own goals of the season. This seemed to give the Fulham attack some real hope and they searched for an equaliser in the final 25 minutes though United just did enough to thwart the Fulham attack. Sadly the defensive duties did have a casualty as Wayne Rooney suffered a nasty gash in stoppage time that will likely keep him out for around a month.
Whilst Alex Ferguson will be happy at the 3 points he won't be happy at the fact United made the game hard for themselves and almost threw it away. Their defensive woes are frightening at the moment and they really need to do something about it or it will again cost them points like it did last season. The absence of Rooney, any other season would have been really catastrophic for the Red Devils however new signings Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa proved in the first half that United probably don't need to rely on Rooney as much this year. In fact it seems likely that Kagawa, who looked tremendous again, will be their key player this season and can really pull the strings with complete ease.
Martin Jol may feel unlucky his team didn't manage to steal a point, they were certainly the better team in the second half and forced a great save from De Gea just before half time, however he will take solace in they way his men played. They refused to give up at 3-1 down like some other teams would have, they refused to accept the game was lost and they showed real character once again. Moussa Dembele put on an excellent performance and could well be the key to the Fulham attack over the coming season and Mladen Petric once again looked a threat and was close to scoring before being subbed off. Jol has got a strong team here and I wouldn't be surprised if they challenge for a Europa League place at the end of the year.
Notes-
This match saw the first Premier League start for Robin Van Persie in a Manchester United Shirt
Damien Duff scored in a second successive game
Showing posts with label Man U. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Man U. Show all posts
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Monday, 20 August 2012
Week 1-Monday Night Football As It Happened (Everton Manchester United)
Full Time
Everton 1-0 Manchester United
Fellaini (57)
Corner
With only seconds left Manchester United have got themselves one more corner. Like the rest of them Everton deal with it with complete ease.
Substitution
Everton make the final substitution of the match as goal scorer Fellaini goes off and is replaced by Johnny Heitinga who will provide extra cover at the back for extra time (4 minutes)
Freekick and Substition
Everton break after a sustained attack by Manchester United and Coleman gets fould by Vidic to earn a free kick. Before it's taken Steven Naismith comes on to replace Jelavic for Everton. Nothing comes of the freekick though Everton have shwon they still pose a threat on the counter.
Substitution
Manchester United make their 3rd and final substitution bringing on Anderson for Tom Cleverly who has been rather disappointing today.
Substitution
Everton make their first change of the match taking off Leon Osman and replacing him with Sheamus Coleman as they look to add some fresh legs.
Save
Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa link up to force a save from Tim Howard as United continue to push for an equaliser.
Corner and Substitution
Manchester United get yet other corner but before taking this one Luis Nani is replaced by Ashley Young. Like all the others the corner comes to nothing as the Everton defense stand tall.
Corner
Manchester United keep the pressure on by getting a 4th straight corner though like the previous 3 they do nothing with it.
Corner
United get their 3rd successive corner which is again cleared with out any real problems by the home side.
Corner and Substituion
United are looking for an equaliser and just moments after Tom Cleverly's shot is cleared off the line by Phil Jagielka they get a corner. Before the corner is taken Robin Van Persie replaces Danny Wellbeck.
Corner
United get their first corner of the second half as they seek an equaliser but it doesn't beat the first man as Everton clear.
Corner and GOAL!
Everton get the first corner of the second half and they continue to seek the opening goal of the game...and they find it! Fellaini manages to break the deadlock with a solid header giving De Gea no chance.
Everton 1-0 Manchester United
Fellaini (57)
Woodwork
Everton rock the frame work of the United goal once more as Leon Osman rattles the undersize of the cross bar from close range.
Half Time Everton 0-0 Manchester United
Everton go into half time feeling like they were the better of the two teams though will be annoyed they aren't in the lead given the amount of times they've forced De Gea. Fellaini was outstanding for Everton through out the half and was the key to everything they did offensively whilst Sylvain Distin was a rock at the back for the Toffees.
United's make shift defense have looked very lucky so far as De Gea has been United's best player by a margin and the only reason they aren't 2 or 3 down. United's biggest problem is that, despite having solid posession they've done little with it and they've often moved the ball too slowly to really catch Everton's defends out.
David Moyes will be spending his team talk telling his players to just continue doing what they've been doing, though they will need to finish off one of their chances if they wish to claim 3 points. Alex Ferguson will likely be irate at his team who, despite having a really promising attacking line up have been pinned in their own half for much of the match as Fellaini has run them ragged. The scores may be level but Everton do deserve to be in the lead.
Half Time Stats
Shots
Everton 11 United 7
On Target
Everton 4 United 5
Corners
Everton 5 United 2
Corner
Manchester United get their second corner of the match just seconds before the end of the half but Everton clear it with out any bother.
Freekick
Nemenja Vidic fouls Jelavic giving Everton a freekick in strking distance. Leighton Baines strikes the set piece and again forces De Gea to pull out a fabulous save to keep the scores level.
Save
Everton come close once again as De Gea is forced to make an excellent save from Leon Osnman's shot. The Toffees are banging on the door as half time approaches.
Penalty Appeal
Shinji Kagawa plays in Danny Wellbeck with an excellent pass and Wellbeck goes down just outside the penalty area, United appeal but nothing is given.
Corner
Everton get yet another corner though this time United manage to clear without too much trouble.
Save
Everton come incredibly close as Steven Pienaar's shot forces De Gea to make a crucial save.
Corner
Manchester United get their first corner following the freekick, it's taken short and amounts to nothing.
Freekick
Manchester United get their first freekick in a promising position as Paul Scholes is taken down just outside the D. Wayne Rooney takes it and Tim Howard is forced to turn it behind.
Corner
Everton have a fantastic move that is finished with De Gea forced into action by Nikica Jelavic. The corner forces De Gea into action as he tips it over the bar for a second corner. The pressure is
eventually ended as Fellaini shoots wide.
Freekick
Everton get a very promising free kick which forces David De Gea into action. So far Everton are looking the much more threatening team having come close twice in the past few minutes.
Woodwork
Everton's Marouane Fellaini hits the woodwork as Everton come close to breaking the deadlock.
Yellow Card
Paul Scholes joins fellow Man United player Nani in the referees book as he goes through Darren Gibson just outside the Everton penalty area.
Corner
Everton get the first corner of the game inside the 5th minute it comes to nothing despite being a very solid corner.
Yellow Card
Manchester United's winger Nani receives the first yellow card of the game inside the 3rd minute as Andre Marriner goes to his book a little bit rashly for what looked to be a foul but nothing more.
Freekick
Everton get their first free kick after just 14 seconds. Baines floats it in but the headed effort is off target.
And we're off!
With just a single match tonight I've decided to do a more detailed "As it Happened" than usual, with a full array of stats, figures and squads.
Everton-
Starting XI- Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Osman, Pienaar, Gibson, Neville, Fellaini, Jelavic
Subs-Mucha, Heitinga, Naismith, Gueye, Barkley, Coleman, Anichebe
Manchester United-
Startin XI- De Gea, Evra, Vidic, Carrick, Valencia, Nani, Scholes, Cleverley, Welbeck, Kagawa, Rooney,
Subs- Lindegaard, Rafael, Wootton, Anderson, Berbatov, Young, Van Persie
Referee-Andre Mariner
Kick Off-20:00
TV-Sky Sports 1
Pre Match Odds
Match Odds
Everton 3/1
Draw 13/5
Man Utd Evens
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 10/11
Under 10/11
Bookings (note a yellow card is 10 points, a red card is 25 points)
Under 25 2/1
25-45 7/4
Over 45 13/8
Everton 1-0 Manchester United
Fellaini (57)
Corner
With only seconds left Manchester United have got themselves one more corner. Like the rest of them Everton deal with it with complete ease.
Substitution
Everton make the final substitution of the match as goal scorer Fellaini goes off and is replaced by Johnny Heitinga who will provide extra cover at the back for extra time (4 minutes)
Freekick and Substition
Everton break after a sustained attack by Manchester United and Coleman gets fould by Vidic to earn a free kick. Before it's taken Steven Naismith comes on to replace Jelavic for Everton. Nothing comes of the freekick though Everton have shwon they still pose a threat on the counter.
Substitution
Manchester United make their 3rd and final substitution bringing on Anderson for Tom Cleverly who has been rather disappointing today.
Substitution
Everton make their first change of the match taking off Leon Osman and replacing him with Sheamus Coleman as they look to add some fresh legs.
Save
Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa link up to force a save from Tim Howard as United continue to push for an equaliser.
Corner and Substitution
Manchester United get yet other corner but before taking this one Luis Nani is replaced by Ashley Young. Like all the others the corner comes to nothing as the Everton defense stand tall.
Corner
Manchester United keep the pressure on by getting a 4th straight corner though like the previous 3 they do nothing with it.
Corner
United get their 3rd successive corner which is again cleared with out any real problems by the home side.
Corner and Substituion
United are looking for an equaliser and just moments after Tom Cleverly's shot is cleared off the line by Phil Jagielka they get a corner. Before the corner is taken Robin Van Persie replaces Danny Wellbeck.
Corner
United get their first corner of the second half as they seek an equaliser but it doesn't beat the first man as Everton clear.
Corner and GOAL!
Everton get the first corner of the second half and they continue to seek the opening goal of the game...and they find it! Fellaini manages to break the deadlock with a solid header giving De Gea no chance.
Everton 1-0 Manchester United
Fellaini (57)
Woodwork
Everton rock the frame work of the United goal once more as Leon Osman rattles the undersize of the cross bar from close range.
Half Time Everton 0-0 Manchester United
Everton go into half time feeling like they were the better of the two teams though will be annoyed they aren't in the lead given the amount of times they've forced De Gea. Fellaini was outstanding for Everton through out the half and was the key to everything they did offensively whilst Sylvain Distin was a rock at the back for the Toffees.
United's make shift defense have looked very lucky so far as De Gea has been United's best player by a margin and the only reason they aren't 2 or 3 down. United's biggest problem is that, despite having solid posession they've done little with it and they've often moved the ball too slowly to really catch Everton's defends out.
David Moyes will be spending his team talk telling his players to just continue doing what they've been doing, though they will need to finish off one of their chances if they wish to claim 3 points. Alex Ferguson will likely be irate at his team who, despite having a really promising attacking line up have been pinned in their own half for much of the match as Fellaini has run them ragged. The scores may be level but Everton do deserve to be in the lead.
Half Time Stats
Shots
Everton 11 United 7
On Target
Everton 4 United 5
Corners
Everton 5 United 2
Corner
Manchester United get their second corner of the match just seconds before the end of the half but Everton clear it with out any bother.
Freekick
Nemenja Vidic fouls Jelavic giving Everton a freekick in strking distance. Leighton Baines strikes the set piece and again forces De Gea to pull out a fabulous save to keep the scores level.
Save
Everton come close once again as De Gea is forced to make an excellent save from Leon Osnman's shot. The Toffees are banging on the door as half time approaches.
Penalty Appeal
Shinji Kagawa plays in Danny Wellbeck with an excellent pass and Wellbeck goes down just outside the penalty area, United appeal but nothing is given.
Corner
Everton get yet another corner though this time United manage to clear without too much trouble.
Save
Everton come incredibly close as Steven Pienaar's shot forces De Gea to make a crucial save.
Corner
Manchester United get their first corner following the freekick, it's taken short and amounts to nothing.
Freekick
Manchester United get their first freekick in a promising position as Paul Scholes is taken down just outside the D. Wayne Rooney takes it and Tim Howard is forced to turn it behind.
Corner
Everton have a fantastic move that is finished with De Gea forced into action by Nikica Jelavic. The corner forces De Gea into action as he tips it over the bar for a second corner. The pressure is
eventually ended as Fellaini shoots wide.
Freekick
Everton get a very promising free kick which forces David De Gea into action. So far Everton are looking the much more threatening team having come close twice in the past few minutes.
Woodwork
Everton's Marouane Fellaini hits the woodwork as Everton come close to breaking the deadlock.
Yellow Card
Paul Scholes joins fellow Man United player Nani in the referees book as he goes through Darren Gibson just outside the Everton penalty area.
Corner
Everton get the first corner of the game inside the 5th minute it comes to nothing despite being a very solid corner.
Yellow Card
Manchester United's winger Nani receives the first yellow card of the game inside the 3rd minute as Andre Marriner goes to his book a little bit rashly for what looked to be a foul but nothing more.
Freekick
Everton get their first free kick after just 14 seconds. Baines floats it in but the headed effort is off target.
And we're off!
With just a single match tonight I've decided to do a more detailed "As it Happened" than usual, with a full array of stats, figures and squads.
Everton-
Starting XI- Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Osman, Pienaar, Gibson, Neville, Fellaini, Jelavic
Subs-Mucha, Heitinga, Naismith, Gueye, Barkley, Coleman, Anichebe
Manchester United-
Startin XI- De Gea, Evra, Vidic, Carrick, Valencia, Nani, Scholes, Cleverley, Welbeck, Kagawa, Rooney,
Subs- Lindegaard, Rafael, Wootton, Anderson, Berbatov, Young, Van Persie
Referee-Andre Mariner
Kick Off-20:00
TV-Sky Sports 1
Pre Match Odds
Match Odds
Everton 3/1
Draw 13/5
Man Utd Evens
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 10/11
Under 10/11
Bookings (note a yellow card is 10 points, a red card is 25 points)
Under 25 2/1
25-45 7/4
Over 45 13/8
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Premier League Week 1-Preview and prediction (Monday)
With only 1 game being played today I've decided to not just do a prediction (which lest be honest, I've been awful with so far) but a proper preview, taking a look at not only who I expect will win, but also at the match in general, getting behind the figures and the facts to try and help everyone know what to expect as Everton start their campaign at home to title contenders Manchester United.
David Moyes' Everton side will be looking to build on last years 7th place finish though the losses of Jack Rodwell (to Manchester City) and Tim Cahill (to Houston Dynamo) could make things very difficult for the Toffees. Whilst they have lost 2 key players they've not really made any major additions to their side aside from Belgian international Kevin Mirallas (from Olympiakos) who will be unable to play in this fixture. Whilst they did also resign the talented Steven Pienaar (from Tottenham) he did feature prominently for Everton last season, having spent much of the season loaned to Goodison outfit.
Whilst some are predicting big things for Everton I'll be honest I'm a little bit worried for them having seen them sell yet more key players, something they've had to do on an almost annual basis since the turn of the millennium. Rodwell joins the likes of Wayne Rooney, Andy Johnson, Joleon Lescott and Mikel Arteta who have all gone from the Toffees to fellow Premier League teams for in excess of £10 million as the club tries to pay off substantial debt. Though saying that they have reinvested the money from the Rodwell sale to bring in Mirallas.
Despite selling Cahill and Rodwell, Everton do still have a strong core of players with the likes of Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Johnny Heitinga, Phil Neville, Leon Osman, Marouane Fellaini and the potent Nikica Jelavic as well as Pienaar who has been a hugely influential player for Everton in his previous stints at the club. Outside of Jelavic the team do lack an out and out goal scorer so they will be dependent on him through out the season.
Whilst Everton have have been a bit of a selling club this year it's fair to say Manchester United have splashed the cash as Alex Ferguson looks to regain the Premier League title that his team lost on the last day of the season last time around. The highest profile of his signings is Dutch attacker Robin Van Persie who was signed for over £20 million from Arsenal. Alongside Van Persie United have also snapped up Japanese attacker Shinji Kagawa (from Borussia Dortmund) who is seemingly a long term successor for the aging Paul Scholes.
It's hard not to view the Red Devils as a serious contender alongside fellow fierce rivals Manchester City and after the way the season finished last time around I can only imagine United having more drive to win the league this year than they had last year where they were pipped at the post. For Alex Ferguson's men last season shouldn't be viewed as a huge failure but as a massive lesson, goal difference can make a difference, the silly mistakes that see a 4-0 turn into a 4-1 or a chance missed to go 2-0 up really can be the difference between first and second. The players will know this more than pretty much anyone else in the league.
Like Everton, United have a solid core of players though unlike Everton the team aren't so dependent on a solitary attacking figure, especially not after their summer purchases. And unlike Everton United haven't really got an out and out #1 with David De Gea still likely fighting for his spot with Dane Anders Lindegaard. Though they do have a good mixture of youth and experience, the experience is really showing on some players and I'd expect the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes to be very limited in their game time this year, with Rio Ferdinand likely to also be rested almost as much as he is played.
So finally on the match at hand.
Everton, at Goodison last year were pretty solid with 10 wins from their 19 home fixtures, taking a total of 33 points from a possible 57. They were the 8th best team in the league at home, a figure that almost matched their overall league standing (7th) though where they stood out was defensively with the second best home defense in the league, conceding just 15 goals in the 19 games played at Goodison (only City's 12 goals against at home was better).
Despite a solid home defensive record Everton some how lost 6 home fixtures, this was in part due to their lack of real fire power, scoring just 28 goals in 19 games at home, a figure that was tied 8th (tied with Norwich City). They will be hoping to increase their goals at home, especially with Jelavic being at Everton from the start of the season rather than joining in the January transfer window.
Interestingly one of the best home defenses from last season goes up against one of the best away attacks of last season in Manchester United (who came second in away goals last year) who were in fact the team with the best away record, taking 42 points away from home. United will look to continue their success on the road again this year and have the squad capable of again troubling defenses across the country.
As well as having the second best away attack they had the best away defensive record conceding just 14 goals away from home. For some reason United seemed to love playing away last year, often using a lightening quick counter attack to turn the game on it's head and take advantage of teams that were chasing a game in front of their own fans.
Looking at those defensive stats it's may be fair to assume this will be a very low scoring game though with United's attack looking genuinely terrifying and with what they learned about goal difference last year I wouldn't be surprised if they made a statement, especially after City struggled to a 3-2 win over new boys Southampton. Saying that I also expect Everton to try and get their season off to a good start, something they failed to do last season where they lost their opening fixture at home to Queens Park Rangers and were surprisingly 16th after 10 games.
Despite starting this match as under dogs Everton have had some success against United in recent years including last years 4-4 thriller and an equally exciting 3-3 the year before. Impressively Everton enter this game unbeaten at home in their last 8 in the Premier League with the last 4 home games being impressive victories (with a combined aggregate of 13-1). Almost as notable is the fact that 2 of United's 3 away defeats came in 3 of their last games including a 1-0 loss to Wigan.
Looking at everything, I expect we'll have a good game on our hands, Everton's home form at the end of last year was simply tremendous with Jelavic quickly becoming a star, though I think United will just have too much for them and driven on by revenge United will likely run out winners overall and whilst I don't expect a goal fest I do expect very enjoyable match.
Kick off-20:00
Prediction 1-2
Expected Line Ups:
Everton-
Howard, Hibbert, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines, Osman, Gibson, Fellaini, Pienaar, Naismith, Jelavic (4-4-1-1)
Manchester United-
De Gea, Rafael, Carrick, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Cleverly, Young, Kagawa, Rooney, Wellbeck (4-3-1-2)
Notes:
Everton new signing Kevin Mirallas wasn't signed in time for this match however the re-signed Steven Pienaar will likely start.
Although Robin Van Persie, who was signed on Friday could make his debut against Everton he is expected to start on the bench, however Shinji Kagawa is expected to start.
Despite being expected to start a number of players have been viewed as doubt with Marouanne Fellaini and Darron Gibson (Everton) being considered as doubts
Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)was doubtful and has now been ruled out, leading to United missing 4 central defenders (Ferdinand joins Phil Jones, Johnny Evans and Chris Smalling)
Players to watch out for-
Everton:
Nikaca Jelavic-The Everton danger man is expected to be the solitary forward man for Everton though is a huge goal threat and did bang in 2 goals against United last time the two teams met.
John Heitinga-The Dutch international was a rock at the back last year for Everton and was eventually crowned their player of the year, expect a solid performance here as he tries to stifle United's attacking threats.
Manchester United:
Shinji Kagawa-The attacking Japanese player will be making his Manchester United debut after playing a pivotal part in Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga triumph last year, expect him to trouble the Everton defense repeatedly.
Wayne Rooney-The United talisman bagged 2 goals the last time out against his former club and will be looking to link up with Kagawa to bag more this time around.
Stats:
This fixture last season 0-1 (Hernandez 19)
Result last time the two teams met 4-4 (Rooney (41, 69), Welbeck (57), Nani (60) : Jelavic (33, 83), Fellaini (67), Pienaar (85))
David Moyes' Everton side will be looking to build on last years 7th place finish though the losses of Jack Rodwell (to Manchester City) and Tim Cahill (to Houston Dynamo) could make things very difficult for the Toffees. Whilst they have lost 2 key players they've not really made any major additions to their side aside from Belgian international Kevin Mirallas (from Olympiakos) who will be unable to play in this fixture. Whilst they did also resign the talented Steven Pienaar (from Tottenham) he did feature prominently for Everton last season, having spent much of the season loaned to Goodison outfit.
Whilst some are predicting big things for Everton I'll be honest I'm a little bit worried for them having seen them sell yet more key players, something they've had to do on an almost annual basis since the turn of the millennium. Rodwell joins the likes of Wayne Rooney, Andy Johnson, Joleon Lescott and Mikel Arteta who have all gone from the Toffees to fellow Premier League teams for in excess of £10 million as the club tries to pay off substantial debt. Though saying that they have reinvested the money from the Rodwell sale to bring in Mirallas.
Despite selling Cahill and Rodwell, Everton do still have a strong core of players with the likes of Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Johnny Heitinga, Phil Neville, Leon Osman, Marouane Fellaini and the potent Nikica Jelavic as well as Pienaar who has been a hugely influential player for Everton in his previous stints at the club. Outside of Jelavic the team do lack an out and out goal scorer so they will be dependent on him through out the season.
Whilst Everton have have been a bit of a selling club this year it's fair to say Manchester United have splashed the cash as Alex Ferguson looks to regain the Premier League title that his team lost on the last day of the season last time around. The highest profile of his signings is Dutch attacker Robin Van Persie who was signed for over £20 million from Arsenal. Alongside Van Persie United have also snapped up Japanese attacker Shinji Kagawa (from Borussia Dortmund) who is seemingly a long term successor for the aging Paul Scholes.
It's hard not to view the Red Devils as a serious contender alongside fellow fierce rivals Manchester City and after the way the season finished last time around I can only imagine United having more drive to win the league this year than they had last year where they were pipped at the post. For Alex Ferguson's men last season shouldn't be viewed as a huge failure but as a massive lesson, goal difference can make a difference, the silly mistakes that see a 4-0 turn into a 4-1 or a chance missed to go 2-0 up really can be the difference between first and second. The players will know this more than pretty much anyone else in the league.
Like Everton, United have a solid core of players though unlike Everton the team aren't so dependent on a solitary attacking figure, especially not after their summer purchases. And unlike Everton United haven't really got an out and out #1 with David De Gea still likely fighting for his spot with Dane Anders Lindegaard. Though they do have a good mixture of youth and experience, the experience is really showing on some players and I'd expect the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes to be very limited in their game time this year, with Rio Ferdinand likely to also be rested almost as much as he is played.
So finally on the match at hand.
Everton, at Goodison last year were pretty solid with 10 wins from their 19 home fixtures, taking a total of 33 points from a possible 57. They were the 8th best team in the league at home, a figure that almost matched their overall league standing (7th) though where they stood out was defensively with the second best home defense in the league, conceding just 15 goals in the 19 games played at Goodison (only City's 12 goals against at home was better).
Despite a solid home defensive record Everton some how lost 6 home fixtures, this was in part due to their lack of real fire power, scoring just 28 goals in 19 games at home, a figure that was tied 8th (tied with Norwich City). They will be hoping to increase their goals at home, especially with Jelavic being at Everton from the start of the season rather than joining in the January transfer window.
Interestingly one of the best home defenses from last season goes up against one of the best away attacks of last season in Manchester United (who came second in away goals last year) who were in fact the team with the best away record, taking 42 points away from home. United will look to continue their success on the road again this year and have the squad capable of again troubling defenses across the country.
As well as having the second best away attack they had the best away defensive record conceding just 14 goals away from home. For some reason United seemed to love playing away last year, often using a lightening quick counter attack to turn the game on it's head and take advantage of teams that were chasing a game in front of their own fans.
Looking at those defensive stats it's may be fair to assume this will be a very low scoring game though with United's attack looking genuinely terrifying and with what they learned about goal difference last year I wouldn't be surprised if they made a statement, especially after City struggled to a 3-2 win over new boys Southampton. Saying that I also expect Everton to try and get their season off to a good start, something they failed to do last season where they lost their opening fixture at home to Queens Park Rangers and were surprisingly 16th after 10 games.
Despite starting this match as under dogs Everton have had some success against United in recent years including last years 4-4 thriller and an equally exciting 3-3 the year before. Impressively Everton enter this game unbeaten at home in their last 8 in the Premier League with the last 4 home games being impressive victories (with a combined aggregate of 13-1). Almost as notable is the fact that 2 of United's 3 away defeats came in 3 of their last games including a 1-0 loss to Wigan.
Looking at everything, I expect we'll have a good game on our hands, Everton's home form at the end of last year was simply tremendous with Jelavic quickly becoming a star, though I think United will just have too much for them and driven on by revenge United will likely run out winners overall and whilst I don't expect a goal fest I do expect very enjoyable match.
Kick off-20:00
Prediction 1-2
Expected Line Ups:
Everton-
Howard, Hibbert, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines, Osman, Gibson, Fellaini, Pienaar, Naismith, Jelavic (4-4-1-1)
Manchester United-
De Gea, Rafael, Carrick, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Cleverly, Young, Kagawa, Rooney, Wellbeck (4-3-1-2)
Notes:
Everton new signing Kevin Mirallas wasn't signed in time for this match however the re-signed Steven Pienaar will likely start.
Although Robin Van Persie, who was signed on Friday could make his debut against Everton he is expected to start on the bench, however Shinji Kagawa is expected to start.
Despite being expected to start a number of players have been viewed as doubt with Marouanne Fellaini and Darron Gibson (Everton) being considered as doubts
Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)was doubtful and has now been ruled out, leading to United missing 4 central defenders (Ferdinand joins Phil Jones, Johnny Evans and Chris Smalling)
Players to watch out for-
Everton:
Nikaca Jelavic-The Everton danger man is expected to be the solitary forward man for Everton though is a huge goal threat and did bang in 2 goals against United last time the two teams met.
John Heitinga-The Dutch international was a rock at the back last year for Everton and was eventually crowned their player of the year, expect a solid performance here as he tries to stifle United's attacking threats.
Manchester United:
Shinji Kagawa-The attacking Japanese player will be making his Manchester United debut after playing a pivotal part in Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga triumph last year, expect him to trouble the Everton defense repeatedly.
Wayne Rooney-The United talisman bagged 2 goals the last time out against his former club and will be looking to link up with Kagawa to bag more this time around.
Stats:
This fixture last season 0-1 (Hernandez 19)
Result last time the two teams met 4-4 (Rooney (41, 69), Welbeck (57), Nani (60) : Jelavic (33, 83), Fellaini (67), Pienaar (85))
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