Match Focus: Improving Everton Aiming to Leapfrog United at Goodison
One of a number of interesting battles to keep an eye on as the Premier League gets back in full swing this weekend sees Everton host Manchester United. The Toffees have found form of late and look a far stronger proposition following a disappointing 2013/14 campaign, while it's been a solid if unconvincing start from their visitors this Saturday.
Louis van Gaal's side sat top of the league heading into their game at the Emirates a fortnight ago but a dismal performance led to a comfortable 3-0 win for the Gunners, exposing weaknesses in the United side that many had expected to show before now. The midfield lacked energy and the defence looked fragile after a strong start to the campaign. With Wayne Rooney continuing to struggle further forward, United are far from fearsome despite their standing in the table right now.
Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez's side are unbeaten in 5 games - only Spurs are on a longer run of matches without defeat ahead of the weekend - with Everton's only defeat to date coming at the hands of table-toppers Manchester City. The form of Ross Barkley - the highest WhoScored rated player at the club (7.49) - has helped the Toffees to a steady footing in the league and a win on Saturday would see this week's hosts leapfrog United.
The fact, then, that Everton have won each of their last 3 home matches against the Manchester giants - keeping clean sheets in each of them - will give the home fans confidence of another 3 points this weekend. If they are to manage another victory somewhat against the odds - at least with the bookies - they will look to top scorer Romelu Lukaku (5 league goals) to lead them to glory. The Belgian is behind only Barkley in the rankings for Everton (7.36) but will be up against one of the strongest defenders of the season so far.
Like Lukaku, Chris Smalling is also his side's second highest rated player according to WhoScored (7.32) - behind the injured Luke Shaw - and he, more than any other player, has come on leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Van Gaal at United. With Smalling winning 3.1 aerial duels per game to Lukaku's 3 it promises to be an interesting physical battle between the two, and one that could have a big say on the overall outcome.
Back-to-back defeats would likely see United slip further behind their title rivals - with City and Arsenal both facing newly-promoted sides - whilst propelling Everton very much into the early hunt for European football.
You can trade the values of any of the players on display as Everton host United with Buabook, the first player trading exchange based on detailed statistics
