12:00PM BST 17 Aug 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Goodison Park
Kick-off: 20.00 BST.
TV: Live Sky 1.
Everton (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines;
Naismith, Fellaini, Gibson, Pienaar; Osman; Jelavic.
Out: None.
Manchester United (Possible, 4-4-1-1): De Gea; Rafael, Vidic,
Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Kagawa; Rooney, Van Persie.
Out: Fletcher (colitis), Jones (back), Smalling (toe), Evans (ankle).
Referee: Andre Marriner. Matches (last season): 21, Red 5, Yellow 73.
Team News
Summer signing Steven Naismith is in line for his competitive debut against
Manchester United on Monday. The former Rangers player is one of two
arrivals at Goodison Park so far, with midfielder Steven Pienaar returning
from Tottenham. Marouane Fellaini (groin) and fellow midfielder Darron
Gibson (thigh) have both recovered from injury.
Match Notes
From the second Sergio Agüero turned United’s title celebrations to dust last
May, Sir Alex Ferguson has craved this moment. One suspects it’s been the
longest three months of his career, plotting a course to reclaim the Premier
League. Robin van Persie’s signing was a show of intent. Everton have
enjoyed an encouraging summer but this is an opening fixture neither wanted.
As a pointer for the next eight months, expect little. As an exhilarating
starter, this is unmissable.
Betting: Home 13-5, Away 5-6, Draw 12-5.
Stat of the game: Wayne Rooney has scored five times in the last seven opening season games for United.
Chris Bascombe’s prediction: Everton 2 Manchester United 2.
