Manchester United v Everton: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

David Moyes takes on his old side Everton (GETTY IMAGES)

David Moyes welcomes his former team, Everton, to Old Trafford in his first reunion with the club since he departed for the limelight of Manchester United.

Moyes left Everton after 11 successful years at the Merseyside club, but he now welcomes back his old club who now have an entirely different image. Roberto Martinez was also involved in the managerial changes in the summer as he left relegated Wigan Athletic and replaced David Moyes in the Everton hot seat.

The arrival of Martinez has seen Everton welcome a new philosophy, reminiscent of the one he instilled at Wigan during his tenure. He has stamped his authority on the squad by bringing in Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu and Gareth Barry all in on loan. All three have made a sensational start to their Everton careers, but it’s Lukaku who has made the biggest impact, and he’ll look to grab the headlines again on Wednesday night.

The return of Moyes isn’t the only talking point, however, Manchester United welcome Everton on the back of improved performances, led by the former Everton striker Wayne Rooney. Rooney scored twice against Tottenham on Sunday and he’ll be the main threat Everton will have to thwart to get a result from this match. Fellaini also returns to his old club. After a rather subdued start to his Manchester United career, he’ll be looking to prove his worth against old club. Leighton Baines is a player that everyone expected to leave Everton for Manchester United. However, the England left back misses out through injury along with Arouna Kone and Darren Gibson for the away side. Manchester United have their own injury worries but it remains to be seen whether or not these will ease in time for Wednesday night.

Manchester United sit two points behind Everton in eighth place and a win would mean they would leapfrog the Merseyside club and continue to demonstrate their resurgence to the summit of the table. A win for Everton, however, would leave United potentially 12 points adrift of Arsenal, if they win on Wednesday night against Hull City, and Martinez’s side cementing themselves as Champions League place contenders.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Manchester United 2 (Giggs, Van Persie) Everton 0, Premier League, February 2013

Everton 1 (Fellaini) Manchester United 0, Premier League, August 2012

Manchester United 4 (Rooney 2, Welbeck, Nani) Everton 4 (Jelavic 2, Fellaini, Peinaar), Premier League, April 2012

STATS…

Everton haven’t beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford since the 1992/1993 season.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last seven games in the Premier League

Everton have only lost once in their previous 13 Premier League matches

Manchester United have only failed to score twice in their previous 74 matches at Old Trafford (both occasions being against Chelsea)

ODDS…

Manchester to win: 1.67

Everton to win: 4.80

Draw: 3.90

TV: Highlights on BBC 1 on Match of the Day at 10.35pm