Everton v. Manchester United - Match Preview


By David Hobbs
April 19 2005

Manchester United are back to their Premiership duties on Wednesday night as they make the trip to Everton. The Red Devils thankfully have no injury worries as Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher came out of the FA Cup clash with Newcastle unscathed.

Hobbs in Trouble

Everton v. Manchester United - Match Preview

Following their 4-1 FA Cup Semi Final win over Newcastle United on Sunday, Manchester United are back to their Premiership duties on Wednesday night as they make the trip to Everton.

The Toffees have enjoyed a successful season and are just a few wins away from securing fourth spot and thus qualifying for the Champions League - an amazing achievement considering their financial frailty and league position they were in a few seasons back.

United on the other hand still have something to play for despite falling well behind run-away leaders Chelsea. Arsenal and United, who meet in the FA Cup Final in May, are locked in a tussle for the runners-up spot.

If Everton were to take maximum points, they'd be just 10 points off the Red Devils.

Sir Alex Ferguson sees this game as a must-win as he looks to rectify the mistakes his side made early on in the season. "We are chasing second spot and we can only get it if we win all our remaining games" he said.

"It won't be an easy game because Everton have had a great season. David Moyes has done a fantastic job with few resources" Fergie added.

Follow Scotsman and tomorrow's opposing manager to Ferguson, David Moyes admits time is running out for his side to clinch fourth. "The games are running out and now we walk into one with United, but we are looking forward to it.

"It's terrific matches like this that you want to be involved in with something important resting on it"

He concluded: "To beat United we have to be at our very best, but teams have beaten them. We have to use that as our incentive" 

Wayne Rooney, a £30 million signing from Goodison Park, may be dropped to the bench in favour of Alan Smith as Ferguson looks to rotate and rest his squad. However, he is expected to play some part against his former club.

Everton's defensive trio Alessandro Pistone, Alan Stubbs and Gary Naysmith are both likely to miss the clash with injuries. 

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Manchester United 3 - 1 Everton - United are on a high following Sunday's win. Ruud van Nistelrooy looks back to his best and you can count on him bagging a few goals.
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