Manchester United are aiming to avenge last season's two defeats to Everton when the Merseysiders travel to Old Trafford on Sunday (kick-off 12:00 BST).
The Reds are determined to build on last week's hard-fought win over West Ham with another international break looming. Wayne Rooney's red card left the hosts preserving a narrow 2-1 lead as both he and Robin van Persie were on the scoresheet.
Team News: Louis van Gaal confirmed on Friday that Paddy McNair will keep his place in defence and also hinted at a start for Juan Mata in the absence of Rooney. The game comes too soon however for Phil Jones, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, although Michael Carrick is closing in on a return. Tyler Blackett is back from suspension but may have to settle for a place on the bench behind Marcos Rojo, with van Gaal reluctant to pair two left-footed centre-backs together at the heart of defence. Everton are without Kevin Mirallas after he suffered a hamstring strain while Sylvain Distin, James McCarthy, Steven Pienaar and Seamus Coleman did not travel to Russia to face FC Krasnodar in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Opposition: Everton have failed to replicate last season's fine form yet and, in fact, had the worst defensive record in the top European leagues before managing a useful 1-1 draw at Liverpool in the derby, courtesy of Phil Jagielka's late bolt from the blue. Roberto Martinez always plays attractive football but youngster Ross Barkley has not been available this term and his new signings are still to gel. Nonetheless, the Merseysiders are often
difficult opponents and are expected to climb the table soon.
Everton's last XI: Howard; Hibbert, Stones, Jagielka, Baines; McCarthy, Barry, Besic; Mirallas, Naismith, Lukaku.
Betting: United are 1.75 favourites to beat Everton (4.50) with the draw rated a 3.60 chance. Radamel Falcao and van Persie are shortest priced at 4.50 to open the scoring while United to win 2-1 is priced at 8.25.
Last Meeting: Everton were comfortable 2-0 victors at Goodison Park in April in David Moyes' final game in charge of the Reds. Baines, with a penalty, and Mirallas scored in the first half and, although Rooney was thwarted by Tim Howard late on, there were few signs of a recovery from the visitors. The team that lines up for United on Sunday will be very different to the one selected on that occasion.
Match Official: Kevin Friend is the man in the middle in his fourth Barclays Premier League assignment of the season. He is yet to issue a sending-off this term but has brandished 12 yellow cards.
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