Manchester United will look to keep pace at the top of the Premier League table when they entertain top four hunting Everton to Old Trafford on Saturday night.
United are currently 2nd place in the table with only rivals Manchester City above them in the standings.
City have a game in hand and a three point advantage at the top of the league, but face a difficult game with Liverpool on Sunday.
United can pile the pressure back on to their cross-city rivals when they host a buoyant Everton side following a rare win at Leeds last time out.
Wednesday night’s victory for the Toffees at Elland Road was their first win at Leeds in 18 years and just their second victory on the ground in 38 visits, as well as breaking an away record which stood since 1985.
Talking of record breaking, Manchester United matched their record victory margin in a Premier League game by destroying Southampton 9-0 (yes, nine nil) at Old Trafford midweek.
It was the first time United had won by that scoreline since they thumped Ipswich Town in 1995 – embarrassingly for Southampton though, that was the second time in consecutive seasons they have been beaten 9-0 – a record margin.
The temperature always seems to rise when Manchester faces Merseyside and no doubt two sides with plenty to play for here will produce good entertainment.
United may have to manage without Edinson Cavani on Saturday though, with the Uruguayan – who scored his first Old Trafford goal against Saints – rated touch-and-go to play because of an ankle issue.
Everton won’t have the scarcely seen Jean-Philippe Gbamin available as he continues recovering from a long term issue. Brazilian midfielder Allan is nearing a comeback, whilst keeper Jordan Pickford may struggle to regain his place after Robin Olsen’s stunning display between the sticks against Leeds.
Pickford collided with a goalpost in the recent loss to Newcastle United and has sustained a knock to his ribs as a result.
Manchester United v Everton kicks off at 8pm on Saturday 6th February.
