Everton vs. Manchester United: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

With the first week of English Premier League soccer comes the first major clash of the regular season. To kick off their 2012-2013 edition of the EPL, defending runner-up Manchester United will travel to face Everton FC.

Last season, Manchester United was forced to settle for second place after Manchester City's Sergio Aguero gave his team the title on goal difference with a header in the 94th minute against Queens Park Rangers. Following the massive disappointment, Sir Alex Ferguson upgraded his squad with the additions of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa.  

For Everton, last season provided much of the same things their fans have seen in the past. The team performed well at times and was disappointing at others. It resulted in yet another finish inside the top 10 (they finished seventh for the second consecutive season) but a spot outside of the true contenders. 

Where: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England

When: Monday, August 20, 2:55 p.m. ET

Live Stream: espn3.com

TV Info: ESPN2, 2:55 p.m. ET

Everton Defense Must Keep Man U At Bay

Last season, Everton finished third in the league in goals allowed. That is due in part to the spectacular play of goalkeeper Tim Howard, and also in part to the cohesiveness of the defensive line.

Against the Red Devils, Dutch defender Johnny Heitinga will have his hands full keeping perhaps the two best forwards in the EPL in check. If he can lead his defense in holding Van Persie and Wayne Rooney at bay, Everton will find itself seeing more openings as the match progresses.

The important thing for Everton is to not let this game get out of hand early. A defeat at home is the worst way to start a new campaign. 

Manchester United Need To Find Their Forwards

For Manchester United, this game is the opportunity to showcase what may be the best forward duo in the world and start the season off on the right foot.

In order to do that, they will need to first find space for their shiny new offense. There is no doubt that RVP and Rooney can finish. To do that, though, they need the ball.

That responsibility falls onto the shoulders of Man U's potent midfield. Kagawa, Antonio Valencia and Nani will need to quickly distribute the ball upfield and create openings for their attackers by getting past defenders.

If they can do that, the skill of this team will lead them straight to victory. 

Everton 1, Manchester United 2

Everton will want to get a result out of this one, but it's a tall order against a squad with this amount of talent. Nikica Jelavic has the finishing touch to conclude a counterattack, but this game will consist of Everton attempting to fight off Manchester.

Expect Robin van Persie to score his first goal for Man U, and expect the Red Devils to come away with a very solid first victory.