Everton hosts in-form Manchester United at home as they look to secure a massive double over Michael Carrick’s men who are on an undefeated streak of their own.
Everton host Manchester United on Saturday, looking to complete a league double over their opponents for the first time in recent memory. The reverse fixture at Old Trafford in December delivered a 1-0 victory, a result David Moyes described as “hugely important” for his side’s confidence and league position.
The Blues go into the game after a 13-day break, a rare pause in a congested season that has allowed key players to recharge. Among those benefitting are two Senegal internationals who returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty last month and are now building back towards full sharpness.
Moyes on Senegal duo’s return to form
Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye helped Senegal lift the AFCON trophy in February, but the demands of tournament football meant a period of adjustment upon their return to Merseyside. Moyes addressed their progress in Friday’s pre-match press conference at Finch Farm.
“I think both of them showed they were starting to pick up again in the last game they started,” the Everton manager said. “They both showed they were getting back to what I felt the speed and the intensity is of the Premier League.”
The pair have been integral to Everton’s midfield this season. Gana, now 36, continues to defy age with his energy and ball-winning ability, while Ndiaye has added creativity and goal threat from advanced areas. Getting both firing simultaneously gives Moyes a significant boost heading into a run of fixtures that includes United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Ndiaye and Gana’s numbers this season
Ndiaye’s statistics highlight his growing influence in his first full Premier League season. The 25-year-old has started 20 games, scoring five goals this season in the League. He has also contributed two assists and created five big chances, while averaging 1.9 successful dribbles per game at a brilliant 46% success rate.
Idrissa Gana remains the metronome in midfield. In 17 starts, he has scored twice and provided one assist, but his primary value lies in his defensive duties. He averages 1.9 tackles and 1.0 interceptions per game, with a 59% success rate in ground duels. His 87% pass accuracy, including 85% in the opposition half, will be a massive reliability in progressing the ball under pressure.
Moyes acknowledged the competitiveness of the Premier League, noting that “most of the teams are very competitive and there’s very little between them.” Having his AFCON winners back to full speed could be the marginal gain that makes the difference against a United side Everton have already beaten once this season.
