Carabao Cup Preview: Everton vs Manchester United

Everton vs Manchester United | Carabao Cup Quarter-Final | Goodison Park | KO 20:00 (GMT) | Sky Sports

As they continue to climb up the Premier League, Manchester United must turn their attention to the EFL Cup, where they face Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening, knowing a win will take them one stop closer to a first trophy in over three years, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first as United boss.

Last month, when The Reds visited Goodison, they came from behind to win 3-1, thanks to a Bruno Fernandes masterclass, and with the form, the Portuguese is in, you would not put it past him to put in another fine display on Merseyside.

How Do Manchester United Look?

Following their 6-2 demolition of Leeds United, who were lucky not to concede ten, there are a couple of concerns for Solskjaer.

Man of the match, and two-time goal scorer, Scott McTominay was forced off in the closing minutes, and will be unavailable for the clash, whilst Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also side-lined with an injury.

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“Those two will miss the game against Everton definitely, Hopefully, it won’t be too long. They’ll be out but, apart from that, I think everyone is, more or less, okay” said Solskjaer.

The boss hinted at some rotation against Everton, ahead of United’s crucial tie at Leicester on boxing day.

We will make a few changes. There have been a few players playing in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season and some will need a rest after the Leeds game, so it will be a fresh team” he said.

Dean Henderson started in the previous two fixtures for United in the EFL Cup this season, against Luton Town and Brighton, so there will be intrigue over who will start on Wednesday night.

The likes of Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata, Brandon Williams and Jesse Lingard will all be in contention for a spot in the starting eleven, and each will be keen to take any chance they are given, having not started for United in some time.

Opposition: Everton

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Carlo Ancelotti’s side started the season strong, dropped of slightly, but have seen somewhat of a resurgence in recent weeks.

Their last three fixtures have seen them secure victories over Arsenal, Leicester City and Chelsea, showing that they most certainly are a threat to the top sides in the country.

On their road to the quarter final, The Toffies have beaten Salford City, Fleetwood Town and West Ham United.

Star name James Rodriguez will be unavailable for the clash due to a calf injury, whilst ex-Manchester City man Fabian Delph, as well as Allen and Luca Digne, will all be out with varying issues.

Key Stats

United are unbeaten in seven games against English opposition, winning six and drawing one in that time. United have scored two or more goals in seven of their last ten fixtures, showing their attacking intent under Solskjaer.