Manchester United v Everton

Fresh, if you can say that, from a more than convincing defeat on Italian soil on Thursday, the Blues are back in action looking to put things right.

This time around they travel down the M62 to face a rampant unbeaten Manchester United outfit.

So far this campaign, Jose Mourinho has reignited the fear factor for away teams visiting Old Trafford, something that hasn’t been there since the days of Sir Alex. So Everton have got an uphill task on their hands if they want anything from this one.

Yet to concede a goal at the Theatre of Dreams, Everton’s attacking outlet (or should I say lack of) won’t find it easy to penetrate United’s impressive defensive unit.

Familiar faces for both teams are expected in both line ups, with United’s record goal scorer Wayne Rooney returning to what was his home for 13 years, Morgan Schneiderlin is in line to face his old club after missing last season’s trip through injury, and Belgians Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini will be taking on their former employers.

There’s no time for emotions to run over though, there is a football game to be won.

The two extra rest-days in the Red Devils’ favour is a bonus. They were already well into their recovery by the time the Blues kicked off in the Europa League.

Who should the Blues be wary of?

Every Evertonian knows just how good that man Lukaku is in front of goal, having bagged himself 87 goals in 166 appearances in the royal blue. And having found the net six times in six United outings the Belgium international is on fire.

After a slow start to his Manchester United career, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been excellent so far this term. A man who can create a goal from nothing, he’s one who needs more than a close eye on.

David De Gea seems to be getting better and better as the years go by and has now established himself as one of, if not, the best goalkeeper in world football. He’s a fantastic shot stopper who isn’t afraid to get himself hurt to stop the football from going in the goal.

It’ll take something special to beat the Spaniard…

A massive loss for United is a huge positive for Everton. After a captivating start to the season influential midfielder Paul Pogba picked up an injury against Basel in mid-week and will miss the clash.

The Blues are much the same squad-wise as they were in their Europa League shambles against Atalanta. Oumar Niasse is available for selection after being ineligible on Thursday.

The sides couldn’t be separated last season, with 1-1 draws on both occasions. So both managers will be desperate to change that. Mourinho to keep up his title charge, however in the opposite dugout, Koeman will be desperate for a win after two league losses and a European embarrassment.

It is early days but the Dutchman won’t want the Blues left playing catch up later on in the season if he wants to fulfil his lofty ambitions.

With one win against United in their own backyard in the last 25 years, it’s a record crying out for improvement… and what better time to start than the present?

Up the Toffees.