Everton v Man Utd preview

Toffees seek first home win, Rooney on brink of milestone

Last updated: 24th October 2008

Everton v Man Utd preview

Rooney: One more for 100

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: Everton 0 Man Utd 2

SKY BET odds: Everton 6/1, Draw 13/5, Man Utd 4/7

One to Watch: Wayne Rooney

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Wayne Rooney is scenting a 100th career goal when Manchester United visit former club Everton, who have yet to win at home this season.

Everton started the campaign with ambitions of possibly pushing the 'big four' after finishing fifth last season, but those hopes have already faded.

Toffees manager David Moyes was late in strengthening his squad during the summer transfer window and his new signings have yet to gel.

The Scot has ended any doubts about his own future at the helm and will hope a first home match since agreeing a new contract will lift spirits.

With just one point from four home games to date, Moyes will be looking for an injury boost ahead of Saturday's noon kick-off.

Injury issues

Segundo Castillo, Joseph Yobo and Victor Anichebe all missed last week's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, but could be fit to feature against United.

Castillo and Anichebe have been struggling with hamstring problems, while Nigerian defender Yobo has been laid low by a virus.

Moyes will also give Tony Hibbert a fitness test on the morning of the game after the full-back picked up an ankle injury.

Tim Cahill is still suspended for the Toffees after his red card in the Merseyside derby, while former United utility man Phil Neville will hope for a recall after being a late substitute against the Gunners.

Another former United player - Louis Saha - is pushing for just his second Premier League start since joining Everton before the closure of the transfer window.

United make the short trip to Goodison on the back of a six-game winning run in all competitions, which has included five clean sheets in a row.

Defensive boost

After a stuttering start to the campaign, the title holders are hitting peak form and will be confident of an eighth win in nine Premier League trips to Goodison.

Sir Alex Ferguson will welcome back Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra for the game after the defensive duo missed the 3-0 win over Celtic in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Evra returns from a hamstring strain in place of John O'Shea at left-back, while Ferdinand has shaken off a groin complaint to come in for Jonny Evans.

Dimitar Berbatov and Gary Neville should start after picking up knocks against Celtic, while Cristiano Ronaldo is also fit.

Michael Carrick is expected to be available against former club West Ham United next week, but Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves are still injured.

Ji-sung Park and Ryan Giggs are pushing for recalls to the starting line-up, while Carlos Tevez will also be keen for a chance to impress from the start.

Former Everton youngster Rooney has scored in his last seven games for club and country, and a goal on Saturday would see the striker, who turns 23 on Friday, reach 100 at club level.

Possible starting XIs:

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Arteta, Osman, Rodwell, Fellaini, Pienaar, Yakubu.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Anderson, Park, Rooney, Berbatov.