Manchester United v Everton - Follow LIVE text commentary
21 Nov 2009 - 17:30:00
Manchester United v Everton
Follow every kick as Manchester United take on Everton at Old Trafford in the Premier League
on 21-Nov-2009, kick off time 17:30
Manchester United v Everton Live
Manchester United must pick up three points against Everton on Saturday evening if they are to avoid slipping further behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League title race.They sit five points behind the Blues following their 1-0 reversal at Stamford Bridge the weekend before the international break and a win is essential if Sir Alex Ferguson's men are to keep in touch.United have claimed the Premier League crown on the last three occasions and nobody better than the veteran Scot knows what it takes to get to the top of the pile, but the current situation will certainly test his managerial ability.Everton will travel to Old Trafford with nothing to lose as they are going through a disastrous run of results and injuries.The Toffees have won just one game in their last eight games - although this was in their last game at West Ham United - and they should take heart from this.But with a continuing and lengthy injury list, the woes go on.Leon Osman (ankle) and Steven Pienaar (knee) are returning to fitness and may be considered for the daunting test.Former Manchester United favourite and Everton captain Phil Neville (knee) is unlikely to feature and fellow knee victims James Vaughan, Victor Anichebe, Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka are all some time away from a return.Russia star Diniyar Bilyaletdinov also begins his three-match ban following his dismissal against Aston Villa on October 31.Goalkeeper Tim Howard and striker Louis Saha will be looking to put one over on their former employees after seemingly failing to cut it at Old Trafford.Ferguson has injury doubts over Dimitar Berbatov (knee) and Rio Ferdinand (calf).If Berbatov doesn't prove his fitness, Michael Owen could be granted a much needed start alongside Wayne Rooney in attack.Long-term absentee Owen Hargreaves is close to a welcome return from his serious knee injury and young striker Danny Welbeck will not be available due to a knee problem.Last season's fixture saw the Old Trafford giants beat Everton 1-0 thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty just before half-time.
