The Dugout Discussion – United v Everton

Sunday gets underway with a noon kick-off at Old Trafford as United prepare to take on Everton. The Toffees registered back-to-back wins over their hosts last season, though with Louis van Gaal at the helm, the Red Devils are slowly starting to find their feet and go in search of a third successive home win this afternoon.

With Wayne Rooney suspended, Van Gaal – as expected – hands Juan Mata the role in “the hole”, while Antonio Valencia replaces the injured Ander Herrera in one of only two changes by the Dutchman. Up top, Robin van Persie goes in search of a third successive strike and strike partner Radamel Falcao is still looking for his first goal since arriving on loan from Monaco.

The likes of Seamus Coleman, Sylvain Distin and James McCarthy all miss out for Everton, though Steven Pienaar returns to the XI, as Roberto Martinez rolls out a 4-2-3-1, with the South African joining Steven Naismith and Aiden McGeady in the attacking midfield three behind Romelu Lukaku.