Doucoure back, Carlos Alcaraz change – Everton predicted XI v Manchester United
David Moyes is expected to make one change to his Everton starting line-up to face Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Everton go into their game against Manchester United high on confidence, having won four and drawn one of their last five Premier League games.
With Ruben Amorim’s side picking up only one victory in their last four league matches, Moyes and Co will be optimistic about their chances of causing an upset over the visitors.
The Scot is, therefore, expected to name a largely unchanged starting line-up, although Abdoulaye Doucoure is expected to straight back in after serving a one-match suspension for being sent off in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
| Club (Premier League Position) | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
| Everton (14) | 25 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 27 | 31 | -4 | 30 |
| Manchester United (15) | 25 | 9 | 5 | 12 | 28 | 35 | -7 | 29 |
David Moyes to axe Jesper Lindstrom at Goodison Park
There is no reason to believe Moyes will change his back four, with Vitalii Mykolenko, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien set to continue in front of Jordan Pickford.
With Orel Mangala sidelined with a long-term injury, expect no changes to the double pivot partnership of Idrissa Gueye and James Garner. Tim Iroegbunam has had minutes off the bench in the last few weeks, but there is no way Moyes hands him a start against United unless something drastic happens.
Doucoure, meanwhile, could return to his usual role as an advanced midfielder after sitting out the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last Saturday, 15 February.
Moyes, though, needs to decide which player will make way for the Mali international.
Carlos Alcaraz played in Doucoure’s position against Palace and marked the occasion by grabbing a goal and an assist, and the former West Ham boss cannot afford to drop the Argentinian.
This means Moyes could drop Jesper Lindstrom and change Alcaraz’s position to the right-hand side to accommodate Doucoure in the centre.
Jack Harrison, meanwhile, is likely to continue on the left side of the attack, with Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye ruled out.
Beto will lead the line and look to add to his tally of four goals in three consecutive league games.
Manchester United team news v Everton
Manchester United have 11 injury concerns ahead of their trip to Everton, with seven players definitely “ruled out”, according to Ben Dinnery.
Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo are among those set to miss the game on Saturday, while Manuel Ugarte, Lenny Yoro and Christian Eriksen are major doubts.
The Red Devils are, therefore, for the taking at Goodison Park this weekend.