Why Idrissa Gueye holds the key to Everton stopping Bruno Fernandes in Man United clash
Bruno Fernandes will be the danger man for Manchester United when they travel to Everton on Monday.
Fernandes will be looking to add to his six goals and 12 assists in the Premier League this season at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 23 February.
Ange Postecoglou has shared the blueprint for Everton to secure victory, revealing that his game plan for the Europa League final was to keep the Portugal star quiet.
If the Blues can do the same, they stand a great chance of taking all three points, and doing the double over the Red Devils.
Why Idrissa Gueye should be key to Moyes’ plan for Everton vs Manchester United
David Moyes surely knows exactly how to shut down Fernandes, with Idrissa Gueye being central to that plan.
Gueye was sent off last time the sides met at Old Trafford after 13 minutes, after a bust-up with teammate Michael Keane.
The Senegal star boasts a pass accuracy of 87.3 per cent, per Sofascore, which will be crucial to the Blues keeping the ball as far away from Fernandes as possible.
However, it is the defensive side of the game that they will rely on most, especially against the Portuguese maestro.
Gueye averages 4.41 ball recoveries, 1.94 tackles and one interception per game, and he will be key to stopping the 31-year-old from having the kind of influence that could decide the game.
- Read More: Recap incredible scenes as Gueye sent off for Michael Keane clash last time vs Man United
How Gueye can shut down Fernandes
Moyes must deploy Gueye in a deep role, with the task to hoover up the ball and take Fernandes out of the equation at all costs, whether that be man-marking him or fouling him regularly.
The United skipper has shown that he is easily frustrated, so if the veteran defensive midfielder consistently fouls him, he may well react in a negative way, and may be disciplined by referee, Darren England.
Winding up the ill-tempered star and making sure nothing goes his way will go a long way to helping the Toffees secure another memorable result.
If they let Fernandes have the kind of influence that he has in many games already this season, he will be very dangerous and could be the difference maker between the sides, so it is imperative that he does not have it all his own way.
Only time will tell whether Gueye can frustrate the 85-cap international, but it is the most solid plan that the Blues can have to deal with him.
For the latest on the clash between Everton and Man United, check out Football Insider.