Everton are currently sitting in the relegation zone with only one point to their name, which they picked up against Wolves. Man United are in third, level on points with Arsenal and two behind Chelsea. Arsenal play Bolton at the Emirates and Chelsea play West Ham at Upton Park in the 3 o’clock kick-offs.
The main talking point ahead of the game is Wayne Rooney. The striker has made headlines all week after allegations about his private life. If he plays, Rooney will suffer a tirade of abuse from the home fans, but he has reportedly told the manager that he can handle it.
Rio Ferdinand could make his comeback since picking up a knee injury during England’s first training session in South Africa before to the World Cup. Antonio Valencia and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez will both be assessed before kick-off after a late return from International duty.
United will be without midfielder Anderson, who picked up a knock whilst playing for the reserves last night. Michael Carrick has been ruled out for three weeks after suffering an Achilles injury.
Man United squad: Van Der Sar, Kuszczak, O’Shea, Rafael, Neville, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Smalling, Evra, Fabio, Valencia, Park, Gibson, Scholes, Fletcher, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Owen, Macheda, Hernandez and Berbatov.
The home side will be without Jack Rodwell, who has been ruled out for up to three months with damaged ankle ligaments. The Toffees will also be without Louis Saha who has been ruled out of action for three weeks. They could also be without Victor Anichebe, who is struggling with a knee injury.
Martin Atkinson will be refereeing the game; so far this season he has taken charge of three Premier League matches. He has shown 10 yellow cards and two reds (which both game during the 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season between Liverpool and Arsenal).
Last season he refereed five League matches involving Manchester United- the 4-3 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford, the 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa, the 4-0 away win against Bolton and finally the 1-0 away win over Man City.
