Everton vs Manchester United: Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao were on target when these sides last played

A look head to Sunday’s clash at Goodison Park

Radamel Falcao with Louis van Gaal (GETTY IMAGES)

Adulation surrounded Everton last season after their league double over Manchester United. A sun-drenched Goodison Park saw David Moyes endure a miserable return to his former stomping ground last April, as Everton stormed to a 2-0 victory. A lot has changed since then.

With Louis Van Gaal at the helm, a 2-1 victory over Everton in October saw United register their first successive victory of the season, and went some way to giving the Premier League giants an air of their old confidence back. The heavily debated Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria both hit the back of the net on that occasion to earn the spoils for United and a repeat performance from either on Sunday is desperately needed. Although the two once unquestionably world-class forwards have seen their careers falter wayward in the last few months, Van Gaal’s United have continued to rise – testament to both the man and the club as a whole.

Everton currently find themselves in twelfth place, unknown territory for the blue side of Merseyside and cause of much anguish among fans. The Toffees are unbeaten in the league since March 4, and will be looking to make a big statement against 3rd placed United to finish the campaign strongly. To say the men in Blue are in fine goal-scoring form would be a lie, the Toffees have only scored one goal in each of their last three Premier League ties. That said; offer Roberto Martinez a 1-0 victory on Sunday right now and the proposal wouldn’t stay on the table for very long.

Manchester United have defenders Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind as injuries doubt for the clash, along with influential midfielder Michael Carrick subject to a late fitness test. James McCarthy, Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman are injury doubts for Everton and face a race to be ready for the crunch match. Notoriously a close encounter, the last seven meetings between the two clubs have seen three wins apiece for either side and one draw. Even the most ardent of football gamblers may want to think carefully before calling this one.

Angel Di Maria (GETTY IMAGES)

KICK OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Manchester United 2 (Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao) Everton 1 (Steven Naismith) Premier League, October 2014.

Everton 2 (Leighton Baines, Kevin Mirallas) Manchester United 0. Premier League, April 2014.

Manchester United 0 Everton 1 (Bryan Oviedo) Premier League, December 2013.

STATS…

Manchester United edge this tie historically, having a 45 per cent ratio, compared to 31.4 per cent of Everton.

Wayne Rooney has scored four times against his former club since transferring to Manchester United in 2004.

Everton have committed 336 fouls this season, 54 less than Manchester United on 390.

The disciplinary records of the two sides are similar this campaign, Everton have picked up 60 cards so far while United have 61 to their name.

ODDS…

Everton to win – 3.75

Manchester United to win – 2.2

Draw – 3.5

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1, Sunday, 1.30pm