Gameday: United vs. Everton

I love Fellaini's facial expression. SPEED OF LIIIIIIIIGHT!

411:
Apologies! It's the festive season for us Malay boys so we've not had much time to write up for TSR. But! We've got a tough match away at Everton in like... an hour and a bit. First game of this weekend, so we can make a statement about our title credentials! And we'll see how Rooney deals. Oh man.

Chasing the Title:
We've been trailing Chelsea ever since the beginning of the season - all because they've played their games before us each and every time. Not to be today! Beating Everton in the early kick-off will give us a chance to top the table for the first time this season, albeit for a few hours before Chelsea play their game against West Ham.

Where We Stand:
1| Chelsea| 3| 9| +14
2| Arsenal| 3| 7| +7
3| UNITED| 3| 7| +6|
4| Aston Villa| 3| 6| -2
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5| Bolton| 3| 5| +2|

Enemy Form:
Everton have been dismal this season so far, only managing a solitary point—achieved at home against Wolves. They'll be looking to pick themselves up, and who better to beat to show the Premier League that Everton are challenging for those Champions League spots than us, the team they beat so convincingly towards the end of last season at Goodison Park?

Players to Look Out For:
Does the Everton crowd count as a player? 'cause I think they'll play a huge role in determining the outcome of this match. Wayne Rooney, the professional beast he is won't probably too phased by it - but remember that time the fans taunted him, he retaliated by kissing his United badge and then Fergie was all "right, off you come" in case he started killin' people? I hope that doesn't happen today...

But on a serious note, Mikel Arteta is most probably the man to be wary of. Although he's never done decisive damage to United, the creative midfielder has played well and kept the Reds' rearguard on alert in several encounters.

On The Home Front:
All the focus will definitely be on Rooney. He's starred for England in the two games he's played and he's really picking up, so it's not all because he's got a bit of a dodgy fetish for expensive hookers. Our strike force is looking lethal, we've scored 2 or more goals in each of the first three games of the season - the same can be said of Chelsea! (... even though they've got... about... 6 goals extra on us...)

Rio and Anderson are available for selection, though I doubt they'd start. Just for a bit of news.

TSR's Thoughts:
1. Can we put the squeeze on the title challengers by going top with a win?
2. Does it disappoint you guys that this preview is really rushed and doesn't feature Amer's usual wit and style of writing?
3. Seriously, how will Wayne Rooney cope when he cops it from the Everton fans - especially amidst his troubled private life?



Here's hoping 3 points will go our way today. Come on, lads!