Everton vs. Manchester United: Red Devils Must Beat Toffees to Get Back on Track

The English Premier League season is long and arduous enough that perfection doesn't usually last (unless you're the Invincibles), not even for a squad as deep and talented as Manchester United.

Though that should hardly keep the Red Devils from dismantling Everton on Saturday. Sir Alex Ferguson's side has run into a bit of a rough patch after charging out to an undefeated start after their first five league fixtures.

Since then, Man U have beaten Norwich City, drawn with Stoke City and Liverpool and, most recently, had their lunch handed to them by Manchester City in a rather shocking derby day result at Old Trafford.

In the process, United have dropped five points behind City for first place in the EPL table, just one point ahead of Chelsea and Newcastle United and three in front of Liverpool.

While it's clearly too early, and the race too close, for anyone at Old Trafford to panic, the Red Devils could certainly use a boost to their confidence before they fall too far back in the pack.

A trip to Goodison Park on Saturday should be the perfect opportunity for them to do just that. Everton are coming off a heartbreaking and rather damaging 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in mid-week Carling Cup play.

Toffees boss David Moyes took a big risk by putting together a strong starting XI against the Blues, a risk that didn't work out in his club's favor whatsoever. Royston Drenthe was sent off, skipper Phil Neville was pulled at halftime with a hamstring strain and Tim Cahill played the entire two hours with a prior injury.

All three figures are to miss this match as a result, opening the door even further for United to beat up on an Everton side that currently sits 13th in the EPL table. The Red Devils will be without winger Ashley Young and have gotten unreliable results from Wayne Rooney whenever they've faced the Toffees, his former club.

But, realistically, Fergie has more than enough talent at his disposal to make quick work of this week's opponent.

A win at Everton would be the perfect way to kick off a short stretch against some of the EPL's middling squads, including Swansea City, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Wolves and QPR.  United should emerge with a heap of points and more than enough confidence to take on the likes of Man City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool for the top of the table down the stretch.