Everton host Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium at 2pm on Sunday and after the transfer window didn’t go the way supporters had hoped, all focus now shifts back to what’s actually happening on the pitch. This is a winnable game.
United haven’t quite figured things out yet, the timing suits Everton and last season’s defeat at the same venue still deserves to be rectified.
Here are the eleven players David Moyes has the best chance of doing just that, and why each name deserves their place.
Everton vs Manchester United predicted line-up
Jordan Pickford: No choice
Pickford has already made a splash this season, including being nominated for Save of the Month after saving Eddie Nketiah in Everton’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. There’s really no other conversation to have here.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Finally, right back
Everton have been struggling to find a right-back all summer. It might not be the exact image everyone wants, but Maitland-Niles is a right-back who started on his debut for Everton. He plays as a midfielder at Arsenal but has regularly featured in the position since moving to Lyon, even describing himself as a right-back in Everton’s welcome video. That’s good enough reason for him to start there.
Vitaliy Mykolenko: the only option at left-back
Mykolenko continues to be there and if Mason Holgate manages to force his way back to right-back, Maitland-Niles is also capable of covering that side.
Jarrad Branthwaite: Partnership still finding its footing
Branthwaite continues to play defensive center alongside James Tarkowski. Keeping him fit throughout the season remains a priority given the quality he brings to the defence, and the understanding continues to develop after Tarkovsky’s injury-time strike saved a point in last week’s draw with Bournemouth despite Everton conceding first.
James Garner: Full of motivation for his old club
Garner started in midfield against his former club and continued to be ready for the full game after being Everton’s Player of the Season last term. Playing against his former club always brings an extra boost and every minute on the pitch brings him closer to getting back to his best.
Harrison Armstrong: Impossible to be left out
A week later, with Armstrong starting alongside Garner, an offer from Nottingham Forest came through and Everton seemed ready to accept, on the morning of the Bournemouth game. In response, he came on and performed well at Bournemouth but ran out of energy until the final minute, aged just 19, with all the noise surrounding him.
Evertonians made their feelings clear during and after that performance and the club made the right decision to keep him. He has had a fantastic start to the season and there is no doubt he deserves his place.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Key cog in Moyes’ 11 goals
When he moves with the ball, he is difficult to contain. Merseyside will be hoping he can be at his best again today, given his ability to score important goals from midfield.
Tyrik George: Attacking option on the right
George got the nod at right before considering the team’s other options. He has started the season very well at Everton, looking bright and sharp, and was outstanding again at Bournemouth last week. Primarily a left-sided player during his time at Everton, he has also previously played on the right at Chelsea, where he brings a real unpredictable spark that is worth having in the team.
Jack Grealish: A warm welcome back
Glarish re-signs on deadline day on Tuesday nighthim coming back to the left is really a huge boost. Prior to his injury at Aston Villa, he had impressed in the first half of last season, particularly at Old Trafford, working tirelessly in Everton’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford in November. He adds real quality to the team, winning fouls and winning time on the ball, and Everton will need his creative best on Sunday.
Thieno Bari: Everton’s only recognized striker
With only one senior forward available, there’s not much selection debate here. Barry, who has four goals to his name, had one chance last week at Bournemouth but a good save denied him, although he probably should have converted it regardless of the goalkeeper’s effort. Everton need him to capitalize on those half-chances on Sunday and add to his tally.
Everton vs Manchester United predicted line-up
Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Branthwaite, Tarkovsky, Mykolenko; Garner, Armstrong; George, Gueye, Glarish; Barry