3. Exploit The Narrow Nature of Everton's Midfield
Everton like to play their football on the ground. David Moyes is a fan of playing football the 'right way' and likes his midfielders to spread the play up to the strikers. The Everton team is built around Maourane Fellaini and the Belgian central midfielder is of supreme quality, with an eye for a pass and the ability to play things simple and slow the tempo of the game. Darron Gibson is expected to partner Fellaini in central midfield, and just like Fellaini, he loves to pass the ball. A product of the Manchester United youth squad, Gibson has played with the best and is an extremely intelligent player. Everton will look for width through the likes of Leon Osman. Osman however, is more of a utility man than an out-and-out winger, and tends to come inside looking for the ball. The only natural width in the Everton team seems to come from the full backs in Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman. Baines and Coleman love to attack and spend much of the game in the opposing half. This however, could be a problem with opponents like Manchester United. With wingers such as Nani, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, United are blessed in their wide options and pose a threat to any team playing a narrow formation. The key to this game will be getting these players involved and with the service of Shinji Kagawa and Michael Carrick, expect the wide men to play an integral role.