Manchester United vs Everton Preview – Premier League, December 1, 2024
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The Premier League continues with an exciting clash as Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Both teams are eager to secure valuable points as the league approaches a crucial mid-season phase. United aim to keep their top-four ambitions on track, while Everton look to climb out of the bottom half of the table.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Competition: English Premier League
Match: Manchester United vs Everton
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Kickoff Time: 2:00 PM (GMT)
Team Overview
Manchester United
Manchester United have had a mixed season under manager Erik ten Hag, marked by flashes of brilliance but also occasional inconsistency. With the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford in their ranks, United remain a potent attacking force. However, questions about defensive solidity persist.
Form: United have been strong at home, but they’ve dropped points against mid-table sides, a trend they’ll want to reverse.
Key Players: Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Andrรฉ Onana.
Strengths: Creativity in attack, pace on the wings, and the ability to grind out results.
Everton
Everton, under the guidance of Sean Dyche, are fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone. Known for his pragmatic approach, Dyche will aim to frustrate United and capitalize on set pieces and counterattacks.
Form: Everton have struggled for consistency, especially away from home, but they remain a dangerous side when given space.
Key Players: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Tarkowski, Amadou Onana.
Strengths: Defensive organization, aerial prowess, and physicality.
Team News
Manchester United
United will be keen to field their strongest lineup but may have to navigate around injuries and suspensions.
Injury Updates:
Lisandro Martรญnez: Out with a long-term foot injury.
Antony: A doubt due to personal reasons.
Luke Shaw: Recovering but unlikely to feature.
Suspensions: None.
Erik ten Hag may rotate his squad slightly, given the packed fixture schedule.
Everton
Sean Dyche’s Everton have also been managing a few injury concerns.
Injury Updates:
Seamus Coleman: Still recovering from a knee injury.
Dele Alli: Working his way back to full fitness.
Dwight McNeil: A doubt due to a hamstring issue.
Suspensions: None.
Everton will likely stick to their tried-and-tested defensive setup, looking to frustrate United at Old Trafford.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Andrรฉ Onana
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Sergio Reguilรณn
Midfielders: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hรธjlund
United’s attack will revolve around Rashford’s direct runs and Fernandes’ playmaking.
Everton (4-5-1)
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko
Midfielders: Amadou Onana, Abdoulaye Doucourรฉ, Idrissa Gueye, Jack Harrison, James Garner
Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton’s midfield will focus on breaking up United’s rhythm and launching counterattacks through Calvert-Lewin.
Playing Ground – Old Trafford
Old Trafford, known as the “Theatre of Dreams,” provides an electric atmosphere for matches. With a capacity of over 74,000, the stadium will be packed with passionate fans, eager to see their team claim victory. United’s home form has historically been strong, making Old Trafford a fortress.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United and Everton share a rich history, with United generally dominating this fixture in recent years.
Last 5 Meetings:
April 2024: Everton 1-3 Manchester United
October 2023: Manchester United 2-1 Everton
April 2023: Manchester United 2-0 Everton
October 2022: Everton 1-2 Manchester United
April 2022: Everton 1-0 Manchester United
Everton’s last victory at Old Trafford came in the 2013/14 season, a stat Dyche’s side will hope to change.
Tactical Analysis
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag’s philosophy is rooted in high pressing, quick ball movement, and creating overloads in the final third.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Dominate possession and exploit wide areas.
Use Rashford’s pace to stretch Everton’s defense.
Press high to disrupt Everton’s build-up play.
Everton
Sean Dyche’s Everton focus on defensive solidity and capitalizing on set pieces and counterattacks.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Stay compact defensively to frustrate United’s attackers.
Utilize Calvert-Lewin’s aerial ability to trouble United’s center-backs.
Target United’s full-back areas on the counter.
Key Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): The creative engine of United, Fernandes’ passing and vision are crucial to breaking down defensive setups.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United): Known for his pace and finishing, Rashford will be United’s primary attacking threat.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton): Everton’s target man, Calvert-Lewin’s physical presence and heading ability can trouble United’s defense.
Amadou Onana (Everton): A dynamic midfielder, Onana will be key in breaking up play and driving Everton forward.
Live Stream and Broadcast Information
UK: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
USA: Available on NBC Sports and Peacock.
India: Star Sports Select and Disney+ Hotstar.
Global: Check local listings or the Premier League’s official website for broadcasting details.
Prediction
Manchester United’s attacking depth and home advantage make them favorites for this clash. However, Everton’s physicality and discipline under Sean Dyche could make it a challenging encounter. Expect United to dominate possession, with Everton looking to spring surprises on the counter.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 2-0 Everton