Two sides that need to win the FA Cup in order to redeem their season clash on Saturday at Wembley with a place in the final up for grabs. And, with Watford and Crystal Palace playing the other semi-final, it's certain that the winner of the contest between the Toffees and the Red Devils will be the favourite to win the trophy. Manchester United have beaten Everton 84 times and lost on 69 occasions, but the Toffees have won three of the last five direct meetings. The last encounter between the two was won by Man United 1-0 earlier this month at Old Trafford.
Roberto Martinez is coming under fire at Goodison Park, they will only manage to finish somewhere in mid-table this season while Wednesday's 4-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool certainly added fuel to the fire. Martinez has won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 before joining Everton, but given the heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike he might have to leave regardless of Saturday's result. Gareth Barry and John Stones should be fit but Seamus Coleman is out of contention through injury while Ramiro Funes Mori is suspended.
Louis van Gaal is in a similar situation, the fans' discontent might not be appeased by a triumph in the FA Cup. However, the Red Devils could still make the top four in the league, so those two achievements combined might be enough to save his skin. On Wednesday the Red Devils defeated Crystal Palace 2-0, with Wayne Rooney on the pitch. Chris Smalling is fit despite having picked up a knock in that match, but Bastian Schweinsteiger and Luke Shaw remain unavailable.
Probable line-ups:
Everton: Joel - Oviedo, Jagielka, Stones, Baines - McCarthy, Cleverley, Mirallas, Lennon, Barkley - Lukaku
Man United: De Gea - Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Darmian - Lingard, Schneiderlin - Mata, Rooney, Martial - Rashford
My prediction: Man United to win 2-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Everton win - 4.00 Draw - 3.60 Man United win - 2.00
sharpe
7 years ago
United is not convincing all season long and this tournament was the last chance for Van Gaal to save his job for one more season. Luckily for the there aren't much in form team left in the tournament and Everton probably were in worst condition by the all semi finalists. Very tough United win in the end but nothing come...
United is not convincing all season long and this tournament was the last chance for Van Gaal to save his job for one more season. Luckily for the there aren't much in form team left in the tournament and Everton probably were in worst condition by the all semi finalists. Very tough United win in the end but nothing come easy for them in the last seasons no matter who they face.
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king_david
8 years ago
Мanchester united recently played a great game, has achieved a lot of victories, have improved their game in attack, young players entering the form. Martial and Rašford slowly becoming key players, I expect that the two of them bring a victory in this match. Everton exercised poor rezltate, I believe in the great victory...
Мanchester united recently played a great game, has achieved a lot of victories, have improved their game in attack, young players entering the form. Martial and Rašford slowly becoming key players, I expect that the two of them bring a victory in this match. Everton exercised poor rezltate, I believe in the great victory the Red Devils!
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
This is definitely final before the real final.The team from this match that reaches finals,will be big favorite on Wembley.I consider Red Devils as a favorites in this match ,mostly because of their experience.Everton will have nothing to loose.United should be aware of Lukaku and Barkley,they are probably only 2 players...
This is definitely final before the real final.The team from this match that reaches finals,will be big favorite on Wembley.I consider Red Devils as a favorites in this match ,mostly because of their experience.Everton will have nothing to loose.United should be aware of Lukaku and Barkley,they are probably only 2 players that can make them big trouble.My prediction 2-1 win for ManUn.
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galata86 8 years ago
The next two games in the FA Cup are very important for Van Gaal. Although, wins this competition, I think he will be sacked off at the end of the season. During the season he had many problems with injuries, but it is partly his fault. The best thing he did this season is that was thrown into play young players.
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