Premier League: Man Utd seek change of fortunes in Everton clash

The Red Devils captain could be joined by Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera in returning to Van Gaal’s matchday squad after respective injuries, though Marcos Rojo has lost the race for fitness.

With Rooney set for a return to action, Martinez believes that the all-time England marksman is a massive boost to his side’s opponents, despite not bagging a top-flight goal on the road since November last year, but he is 15/8 to dispatch his first strike at Goodison since April 2007 anytime.

“His contribution is a bit more than scoring goals,” said the Spaniard. “If you want my thoughts, I would prefer it if Wayne Rooney doesn’t play. From an opposition point of view, I think Manchester United are a better team when Wayne Rooney plays. He brings a lot more to his performance that just hitting the back of the net.”

Martinez: “Previous results mean very little”

Everton’s determined boss was also quick to dismiss the visitors’ stuttering form in recent trips to Merseyside, claiming that doesn’t matter once the next competitive clash comes along.

“I think records and previous results mean very little – what’s important is that we respect immensely this Manchester United side,” Martinez added. “A couple of weeks ago when they went top of the league, that was a real statement of intent. Manchester United have a settled side now and have become really strong in what they do.”

Blind v Lukaku a key battle

Romelu Lukaku is one of just four players to have ever hit a hat-trick past United in the Premier League, alongside David Bentley, Dirk Kuyt and Samuel Eto’o, and he is 5/1 to strike the game’s last goal on home soil this time out, having already notched-up five domestic goals already this term.

The bull-dozing Belgian is set for an intriguing battle with the recently impressive Dutch defender Daley Blind, who could be feeling the effects of his country’s failure to reach Euro 2016 in France next year. Blind will need to be alert right up to the final whistle in his tussle with Lukaku, with the last 18 leagues meetings between these two teams having witnessed 11 goals in the final 10 minutes.

Martinez will be without defenders Leighton Baines and Tony Hibbert, while Tom Cleverley is unable to face his former club and joins fellow midfielders Muhamed Besic Steven Pienaar on the sidelines. The Spanish boss will hope his side can continue their solid form against the Red Devils, having won the previous three consecutive home meetings to nil, and another shut-out victory is 9/2.

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Coral’s top tip: Wayne Rooney to score anytime @ 11/8