Manchester United will be going in search of a seventh successive victory in all competitions when they welcome Everton to Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday evening.
United, who exited the competition at the fourth round stage last season, being knocked out by Championship side Middlesbrough on penalties, will be looking to maintain their current run of excellent form against the Toffees. The Reds defeated Bournemouth 3-0 on Tuesday night to tighten their grip on a top-four spot, thanks to goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford.
The Reds, who last faced Everton in the FA Cup back in April 2016, winning 2-1 at the semi-final stage at Wembley, will be looking to become the first club to secure their spot in the hat for the fourth round draw. A win against Frank Lampard's strugglers would also strengthen their chances of ending their trophy drought, given they are also still alive and kicking in both the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
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Manager Erik ten Hag made the surprise decision to make four changes to his starting line-up against Bournemouth, meaning he could recall a handful of senior figures to the side, as he attempts to lead United to another M16 triumph. David de Gea registered his 12th clean sheet of the season in all competitions against Bournemouth and could be considered likely to keep his place in goal.
He has played no part in the Reds' Carabao Cup campaign so far, being replaced by former loanee Martin Dubravka against both Aston Villa and Burnley. But with the Slovakian having returned to Newcastle United and Tom Heaton having gone more than a year without playing in a competitive fixture, the Spaniard might keep his spot between the sticks.
Ahead of him, you would expect Ten Hag to make changes to his back-four. Diogo Dalot, after being fit enough to be named on the bench against Bournemouth, could return at right-back, while Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez could also return and start alongside each other for the first time since the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on October 22. Both players were on the bench against the Cherries, as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof both started.
Shaw has been in terrific form of late and should retain his place at left-back, with a view to resting him and giving Tyrell Malacia the nod against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup next week.
In midfield, Ten Hag will be forced into at least one change from his side's most recent outing; Donny van de Beek is expected to be unavailable after being forced off with a nasty-looking injury. He started in the advanced-midfield berth, forcing Bruno Fernandes to move out wide. You would expect the Portuguese ace to reclaim his preferred role in his absence.
Casemiro, given the form he is in and United possibly feeling confident enough that they could rest him against Charlton, should start, joined by Christian Eriksen. The duo combined for the opening goal against Bournemouth and have each been terrific all season.
It is in attack where Ten Hag could face his toughest calls. Antony has returned to training after missing the win over Gary O'Neil's side on Tuesday but might not be considered strong enough to start. Therefore, Alejandro Garnacho should get the nod, joining Anthony Martial and Rashford in the front-three.
Martial was forced off against Bournemouth but Ten Hag has since confirmed that he is at full fitness ahead of the clash with the Toffees.
Predicted line-up vs Everton: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes; Garnacho, Martial, Rashford.
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