Manchester United Red Devils Look to Stay Top vs. Everton

Reigning champions Manchester United will be looking to bolster their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League on Saturday when they host Everton. The last time they played Everton in the league, the Toffees scored a late equalizer to claim a share of the spoils at Goodison Park.

The Red Devils currently have a two point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand. David Moyes has been grinding out results with minimal amounts of quality players, drawing with Liverpool at Anfield and doing the same thing a week later in the FA Cup, which earned Everton a replay at Goodison Park.

Everton sit in a peculiar position in the league table. They are currently sixth, and are firmly in position to play in Europe next year. They are however, five points away from being fifth and five away from being seventh and out of European competition.

Last year the corresponding fixture provided a lot of drama. After drawing level with United, Everton conceded a penalty in the final minutes of the game and an in-form Ronaldo finished beautifully from the spot to break the backs of the travelling Everton fans.

For me the game has the stench of a close one. Moyes has a way of grinding out results against every club, but especially the traditional "Big Four," I would assume Saturday's late fixture (what originally was to be played on Monday, but FA Cup replays meant the match had to be moved up) will be no different. It will be edgy, both sides will get stuck in early, and I expect a lot of fouls, a bunch of yellow cards and who knows? Maybe even a red.

If United can grind out a victory against Everton, they have the potential to separate themselves from their nearest rivals by four points, should Liverpool and Chelsea draw. While last year United's first scoring breakthrough after a series of 1-0 victories was met with more 4-0, 4-1 drubbings, I don't think the Red Devils can follow up their 5-0 performance at the Hawthornes on Tuesday with a big victory against this Everton side.

Like I said, it will be edgy. My prediction: United 1 Everton 1