Between their new manager and the £100 million-plus spent in the summer transfer window, Manchester United were expected to surge back into the top four this season. But it's already October, and the Red Devils are looking less than convincing. A lot of that has to do with very bad injury luck, but even when United has had a strong team together, they've looked disjointed.
Manchester United vs. Everton live stream: How to watch the EPL online, time, TV schedule and more
Everton and Manchester United are both feeling in pretty desperate need of good results at the moment. Here’s how to watch the game on TV or online.
Laurence Griffiths
Things have gone even worse for Everton this year. They did well to get a draw out of the Merseyside Derby last week, but that point only has them in 17th entering Sunday, with the Toffees having dropped a couple spots after some teams below them picked up good results on Saturday. They've been lost without Ross Barkley, and their previously above average defense has imploded.
A win could jumpstart either team’s season, and it could come from either side on Sunday. Both are injury-riddled, a bit shaky in defense and in possession of game-changing strikers who can create goals for themselves at a moment’s notice.
Key player - Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Lukaku's had some incredible games this season and some where he's looked lost. A lot of the ones where he's looked lost have included bad service or a tactic that shifted him out to the right wing. Everton's style and the personnel around Lukaku might not suit him perfectly, but he's the only player on their team who can make goals out of nothing, and they might need one of those to beat United.
Key matchup - Everton’s CBs vs. United’s strikers
Everton’s defense has been the worst in England this season. United’s strikers have been slightly disappointing, but are probably the most talented group in the Premier League. If Everton’s defense pairing -- whoever they are -- don’t up their game, the Red Devils could build an insurmountable lead .. okay, large lead, no United lead is insurmountable ... early.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Wayne Rooney (suspended), Ander Herrera (rib), Chris Smalling (thigh), Jonny Evans (ankle), Phil Jones (hamstring), Michael Carrick (ankle). In doubt: Ashley Young (groin), Marouane Fellaini (ankle)
Everton injuries and suspensions
Out: Kevin Mirallas (hamstring), Ross Barkley (knee). In doubt: Seamus Coleman (concussion), James McCarthy (thigh), Steven Pienaar (groin), Sylvain Distin (unspecified)
You might need to take a deep breath after reading that list. Expect to see Patrick McNair and Marcos Rojo in defense for Manchester United while that long list of defenders is out, while Juan Mata should replace Wayne Rooney in attack. Coleman and McCarthy are first choice for Everton if they can pass fit, but it's anyone's guess whether or not they'll be able to do that.
Match date/time: Sunday, 12 p.m. local, 7 a.m. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBC Sports Network (U.S. - English), Mun2 (U.S. - Spanish), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), TSN 1 (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S. - Spanish), BT Sport (U.K.), TSN Go (Canada).
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