| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
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EVERTON
Howard Hibbert, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines Neville, Fellaini Naismith, Osman, Pienaar Jelavic |
MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea Valencia, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra Scholes, Carrick Nani, Rooney, Kagawa Van Persie |
The first Monday night match of the season sees Everton welcome Manchester United to Old Trafford, and David Moyes will be able to pick from a virtually full-strength squad.
Darron Gibson is the only player who looks set to miss out on a place in the team against his former side, as Marouane Fellaini should be fit.
Victor Anichebe is struggling with a groin injury but should be fit to at least take a place on the bench, while Steven Pienaar looks set to make his first start in his second permanent Everton spell.
Moyes could start with Seamus Coleman on the right-hand side of the midfield, but Steven Naismith appears to have the edge, while the former Rangers man has implored his manager to unleash him against the Red Devils.
Sir Alex Ferguson on the other hand has considerably more to think about with regards to injuries, particularly at the back. Nemanja Vidic managed a number of appearances during pre-season and should start alongside Rio Ferdinand, but Chris Smalling (groin), Jonny Evans (ankle) and Phil Jones (back) are all out.
Rafael also looks set to miss out following his involvement in Brazil’s run to the final in the Olympics, meaning Antonio Valencia will most likely deputise with England Under-19 international Michael Keane playing back-up to him and Patrice Evra.
Darren Fletcher made his long-awaited comeback last week but a Premier League appearance seems premature at this stage, while Robin van Persie will make his debut up-front if his transfer from Arsenal is completed beforehand, as expected.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
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Everton have won just two of their last 15 Premier League meetings with Manchester United.
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The last time these two sides met United were 4-2 up before Everton eventually hauled it back to 4-4.
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Everton have won only three of their last 20 home matches against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
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In four of the last six matches between these two at least one of them has scored a minimum of three goals.
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The Toffees could potentially start with three ex-United players on Monday, with Tim Howard, Phil Neville and Darron Gibson all once of the Old Trafford outfit.
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In his only playing-career performance against Everton, Manchester United boss Ferguson conceded a penalty and lost 4-1 while playing for Falkirk in 1972.
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Everton have played against United in seven different competitions, more than any other club.
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Former United goalkeeper Tim Howard has made 183 consecutive Premier League appearances.
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Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa (pictured, right) and Nick Powell could all make their official United debuts on Monday.
