Everton v Manchester United: Can the Toffees ruin van Persie's debut?
Robin van Persie is expected to make his Manchester United debut tonight, but will the Dutchman get off to a flying start or will he come unstuck against the Toffees?
There's no love loss between these two sides and former Bluenose Wayne Rooney, in particular, will be looking to pick up a few coins and a new Blackberry from the welcoming home fans. The world's eyes will be on Rooney and van Persie to see if two of the game's biggest names can actually link up and make United a real attacking force again.
Sir Alex Ferguson will also be gunning for revenge following their last meeting. Everton's dramatic draw at Old Trafford in April played a huge part in United losing the title to their rivals City and Sir Alex will be hoping his side have learned their lesson.
Everton have lost Tim Cahill and Jack Rodwell in the summer but the arrival of Steven Naismith and the permanent return of Steven Pienaar will keep Everton highly competitive this season. Kevin Mirallas, who has joined from Olympiacos, will also provide a real goal threat - although he can't play tonight - to help the Croatian striker Jelavic.
The Toffees have always made life hard for United at Goodison Park and tonight's game will be no different, but Everton will be looking to record their first win over the Reds since February 2010, when they fought back from a goal down to win 3-1.
Everton haven't won on the opening day since they beat Wigan 2-1 in 2007. In contrast, United haven't lost since 2004. United start the game as favourites, but Everton are not a team to roll over and have their bellies tickled.
Everton v Manchester United; Kick Off 8pm August 20 2012
Prediction Panel
|
Arsenal |
Shub Chaterjee |
1 |
V |
1 |
|
Aston Villa |
Frank Pattison |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
Chelsea |
Joe Tyler |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
Everton |
Chris Goodwin |
2 |
V |
2 |
|
Fulham |
Neil Springate |
0 |
V |
2 |
|
Liverpool |
Dave Disciascio |
1 |
V |
3 |
|
Man City |
Callum Rothwell |
1 |
V |
1 |
|
Alex Richert |
0 |
V |
3 |
|
|
Newcastle |
Greg Hall |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
Norwich |
Sue Read |
1 |
V |
1 |
|
QPR |
John Jaycock |
2 |
V |
2 |
|
Reading |
Jon Keen |
2 |
V |
2 |
|
Southampton |
Andy Saunders |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Stoke City |
Jack Heaney |
TBA |
V |
TBA |
|
Sunderland |
Tony Ratton |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
Swansea |
Jim Barry |
0 |
V |
0 |
|
Spurs |
Mike Richards |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
West Brom |
Andy Wakeman |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
West Ham |
Matt Beeby |
0 |
V |
2 |
|
Wigan |
Jimmy Shine |
1 |
V |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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OUR EXPERTS |
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|
|
|
|
Writer |
Colin Illingworth |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Steve Coulter |
0 |
V |
2 |
|
Writer |
Hugh Larkin |
1 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Mitch Waddon |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
Writer |
Chris Pettitt |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
Writer |
Sarshar Hossiennia |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
Blackburn fan |
Terry Kennedy |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
Bolton fan |
David Blackburn |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
Boro fan |
Sue Gardener |
0 |
V |
2 |
|
Pompey fan |
Dan Taylor |
1 |
V |
1 |
|
Pompey fan |
Peter Rendle |
1 |
V |
2 |
|
West Ham fan |
Nigel Telfer |
1 |
V |
0 |
|
Wolves fan |
Chris Cox |
0 |
V |
2 |
|
Editor |
Antony Melvin |
1 |
V |
2 |
Panel Verdict
United are expected to get off to a winning start.
Home: 3; Draw: 10; Away: 20. TBA 1
* Do we have it right or do you know better? We’d love to hear from you.
