Preview: Manchester United vs. Everton

Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez
© PA Photos
Manchester United have the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points with a win over Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Sir Alex Fergsuon could keep the defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans, which means that Phil Jones is likely to miss out again in the starting XI.

Javier Hernandez is in contention to start up front with Wayne Rooney, while Michael Owen could fight for a spot in next week's Premier League fixture after Ferguson confirmed that the ex-Liverpool striker is nearing a comeback from injury.

Meanwhile, David Moyes is expected to call upon Seamus Coleman following reports that Leighton Baines is due to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring tear.

Magaye Gueye could retain his place in midfield over Steven Pienaar, while Tim Cahill should be installed to provide support to striker Nikica Jelavic.

Current form:

Manchester United: WWWWLW
Everton: WWWDWL

Possible lineups:

Manchester United: De Gea; Evra, Evans, Ferdinand, Rafael; Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Young; Rooney, Hernandez

Everton: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Heitinga, Hibbert; Gueye, Fellaini, Gibson, Osman; Cahill; Jelavic

Sports Mole says: 3-1
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Manchester United384389
2Manchester City383278
3Chelsea383675
4Arsenal383573
5Tottenham Hotspur382072
6Everton381563
7Liverpool382861
8West Bromwich Albion38-449
9Swansea City38-446
10West Ham United38-846
11Norwich City38-1744
12Fulham38-1043
13Stoke City38-1142
14Southampton38-1141
15Aston Villa38-2241
16Newcastle United38-2341
17Sunderland38-1339
RWigan Athletic38-2636
RReading38-3028
RQueens Park Rangers38-3025