Manchester United vs. Everton: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Everton are seeking to repeat the achievements of last season upon making the trip to Old Trafford this Sunday, having beaten Manchester United twice in the 2013-14 campaign.
Louis van Gaal's team claimed their second win of the season with a 2-1 victory over West Ham last weekend and hope that the Toffees' record of just six points from as many games gives them an easier run this time around.
The Red Devils remain plunged in a state of uncertainty at present and will by no means take the fixture for granted, with each club desperate for three points to move toward the top four.
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Date: Sunday, Oct. 5
Time: 12 p.m. BST/7 a.m. ET
Live Stream: BT Sport stream (UK, subscription required), NBC Sports Live Extra (US, subscription required)
TV Info: BT Sport 1 (UK), NBCSN (US)
Key Player to Watch
Manchester United: Juan Mata
Van Gaal has absences to consider in all areas of the pitch, the most significant in attack being that of Wayne Rooney after the captain was sent off against the Hammers last week.
That omission should at least give Juan Mata cause to be upbeat for the visit of Roberto Martinez's side, the Spaniard having struggled to figure in his favoured No. 10 role so far this season.
Denise Evans of the Manchester Evening News was quick to point out the most prominent positive of Rooney's red card:
With Ander Herrera one of those on the injured list, Mata's creative input has even more importance placed upon it. He will likely be asked to operate behind Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, with Angel di Maria quickening play from deep.
Van Gaal could opt to stiffen his midfield by leaving Mata out once more, but it's most likely the Spaniard will function behind the front two to test a shaky Everton defence.
Everton: Leighton Baines
Having been one of those on the scoresheet in Everton's 2-0 win over the Red Devils at Goodison Park last season, Leighton Baines has high standards to live up to upon travelling this Sunday.
The left-back is in strong form for the fixture, too, with WhoScored.com noting his Man of the Match performance in Thursday's Europa League draw against Krasnodar. Squawka added more depth to his recent exploits in Europe:
It will be an intriguing battle to consider, particularly as Rafael showed fine form down United's right flank against West Ham last Saturday. The pair's back-and-forth battle down that side of the pitch could prove pivotal.
Baines has the set-piece delivery to hurt United's patch-up defence, but he will need his colleagues to play the game in United's half of the pitch to have his greatest influence.
