High Stakes at Old Trafford as Man Utd Host Everton
The Premier League weekend kicks off at Old Trafford with a season-defining clash as Manchester United host Everton. For Erik ten Hag’s side, this is a crucial opportunity to bounce back from a derby defeat and keep their slim Champions League hopes alive. For Sean Dyche’s Everton, every point is vital in their tense battle against relegation.
After being thoroughly outclassed by Manchester City, the pressure is mounting on United to deliver a convincing performance. A Saturday lunchtime fixture against a resilient Everton side represents a significant test of character. Meanwhile, the Toffees arrive still precariously close to the drop zone despite their points deduction being reduced. Winless in their last 10 league games, they will view an injury-plagued United as a prime chance to end their dreadful run.
Man Utd vs Everton Team News and Injuries
Both managers are grappling with significant selection headaches ahead of this Premier League encounter, with injuries dominating the team news.
Manchester United‘s defensive crisis continues to be the main story, but the biggest blow is in attack.
* Out: Rasmus Hojlund (muscle), Luke Shaw (leg), Lisandro Martinez (knee), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Anthony Martial (groin), Mason Mount (calf).
* Doubtful: Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka face late fitness tests. Jonny Evans is also a minor doubt after coming off against Man City.
The absence of Rasmus Hojlund, who was in blistering form before his injury, leaves a major void up front. This will likely force Marcus Rashford to lead the line, with Victor Lindelof potentially continuing as a makeshift left-back.
Everton Team News
Everton are in better shape but could be without a key figure in their midfield.
* Out: Arnaut Danjuma (ankle), Dele Alli (groin).
* Doubtful: Idrissa Gana Gueye picked up a groin injury and is a major doubt for the trip to Old Trafford. His absence would be a significant loss to Everton’s midfield engine room.
The Toffees will rely on their strong central defensive pairing of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite to keep United’s attackers quiet, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be desperate to find his goalscoring touch.
Manchester United vs Everton Predicted Lineups
Based on the latest team news, here are the probable starting lineups for both sides.
Predicted Man Utd XI (4-2-3-1):
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof; Casemiro, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford.
Predicted Everton XI (4-4-1-1):
Pickford; Godfrey, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Onana, Garner, McNeil; Doucouré; Calvert-Lewin.
Kick-Off Time and Match Preview
The Premier League match is scheduled for Saturday, March 9th, with a 12:30 PM (GMT) kick-off time at Old Trafford. For viewers in India, that is 6:00 PM (IST).
Expect a classic contrast of styles. Manchester United will likely control possession, with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo looking to break down Everton’s organised and deep-lying defence. However, United’s known vulnerability on the counter-attack and from set-pieces is precisely where Sean Dyche’s teams excel.
Everton will aim to be physical, direct, and frustrate the home crowd. The first goal in this fixture feels absolutely critical and will likely dictate the pattern of the game. For Manchester United, anything less than a win will be seen as a failure, while for Everton, securing a point on the road would be a massive result.
