Everton vs Manchester United
Saturday | 11 September 2010 | KO:12:45 | Goodison Park

The first of Saturday's English Premier League matches is a real cracker. Everton may still be looking for their first win of the season, but they are certainly capable of giving Manchester United a scare or two when the sides meet at Goodison Park in the lunchtime kick off.

Everton have just 1 point to show from their 3 league games so far and that came in a home game against Wolves where they were quoted deep in the red to win but could only manage a 1-1 draw. They have certainly started slowly but that was also the case last season when they lost 3 of their first 4 league games. When they got their act together they were a match for most teams and their home form in the second half of the campaign was top class with both Manchester clubs and Chelsea all leaving Goodison Park empty handed. Everton are unbeaten at home in the league since Liverpool won 2-0 here in November 2009. Although the 1-0 defeat at Villa prior to the international break was disappointing, there were signs that Everton were beginning to click as they did everything bar equalise in the second period.

Manchester United are unbeaten with 7 points from 3 games. They have won both their home games comfortably; 3-0 against Newcastle and West Ham but they had to settle for a point against Fulham in a thrilling 2-2 draw. United controlled that game in the first period but their performance dipped in the second half and Fulham were value for the point. With all 3 of their league games delivering over 2.5 goals, odds against for “overs” may have possibilities and Rooney has found the net for both club and country to end his recent goal drought. The sheer presence of Rooney adds even more spice to this clash and he is sure to receive a hot reception from Everton fans on his return to Goodison – especially in view of the recent allegations surrounding his off field activities.

With both sides having many players on international duty over the past week, the team news is worth keeping an eye on in the run up to match day.

United had dominated the head to head stats between these sides until their visit here last season which saw them crash 3-1. They did however beat Everton 3-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the season.