Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Premier League meeting between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park. Both sides have struggled for form in recent months; the visitors winning just two of their last 10 in the league and the Toffees accruing just six points from the last 24 on offer. Despite the lack of wins, victory for either today will be enough to take them up to sixth place in the table.

There is a sense that the top four in the division is now pretty much set in stone - Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City pulling away from the chasing pack with the midway point of the season fast approaching, while Tottenham Hotspur are the team best placed to disrupt that exclusive party. A title challenge seems a million miles away for United, then, who are 14 adrift of the pace, but failing to claim a place in the top four really would be a major blow.

TEAM NEWS!

EVERTON XI: Stekelenburg, Baines, Williams, Funes Mori, Coleman, Barry, Cleverley, Gana, Bolasie, Mirallas, Lukaku

MANCHESTER UNITED XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Darmian, Carrick, Herrera, Mkhitaryan, Pogba, Martial, Ibrahimovic

Let us start by taking a look at the visiting team, which shows two changes from the 4-1 win over West Ham United in the EFL Cup in midweek. Paul Pogba returns from his one-game suspension to take his place in midfield, while Matteo Darmian is also selected at full-back in the absence of the injured Luke Shaw. Wayne Rooney is the other player to drop out from four days ago, due to a suspension of his own.

The interested news as far as United fans are concerned is that Jose Mourinho has gone with what many consider as being the club's strongest four attacking players for the first time this season. That is because Henrikh Mkhitaryan has retained his place in the starting lineup thanks to another impressive display against the Hammers a few days back, while Pogba joins him further forward in the attacking third alongside Anthony Martial.

That is a little harsh of Juan Mata, granted, who misses out on inclusion today, while Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford are also made to make do with back-up roles. Mata in particular has impressed this term during what has otherwise been an underwhelming campaign for the Red Devils, scoring five and setting up one in his 17 outings under Mourinho. The No. 10 role is likely to be operated by Pogba today, though, with Mkhitaryan and Martial either side.

Rooney's suspension, thus meaning he will miss out on equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record at his former hunting ground, makes Mourinho's life a little easier. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was always likely to start up top this afternoon, however, looking to build on a decent scoring record of seven goals in 12 Prem outings, and five in his last four overall. Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera are the men tasked with sitting deep in midfield.

In terms of the home side, Ronald Koeman has made three alterations from the 1-0 defeat to Southampton seven days ago. Ramiro Funes Mori, Tom Cleverley and Kevin Mirallas all come into the fold, taking the places of Phil Jagielka, Aaron Lennon and Ross Barkley. Not for the first time this term, the Dutchman has shown his tough love by leaving out Barkley, but overlooking Jagielka is more of a surprise.

James McCarthy has overcome a hamstring worry but fails to break into the starting lineup, with Tom Cleverley the man most preferred to his alongside Gareth Barry and the defensive destroyer that is Idrissa Gueye. Koeman will again go with a 4-3-3 formation this afternoon, as Kevin Mirallas and Yannick Bolasie flank Romelu Lukaku, who has seven in 12 league games this term but has failed to score in six against United.

BENCH WATCH!

EVERTON SUBS: Robles, Jagielka, Deulofeu, Barkley, McCarthy, Valencia, Holgate

MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Bailly, Mata, Lingard, Blind, Rashford, Romero, Fellaini

A surprise of sorts to see Eric Bailly back from injury so soon, with the Ivory Coast international making his return to the United squad today. Marouane Fellaini returns from a one-game ban and back on the bench, while the aforementioned trio of Mata, Lingard and Rashford are all overlooked. Everton have plenty of attacking options of their own, meanwhile, with Enner Valencia, Barkley, McCarthy and Gerard Deulofeu all among their back-up choices.

Jose Mourinho has named what many would consider as Man United's strongest four attacking players in the starting lineup for the first time this term. Mkhitaryan retains his place, perhaps surprisingly despite his impressive displays, alongside Martial and Pogba - the latter of whom is expected to start in the no.10 position just off Ibrahimovic. Ronald Koeman has made three changes, meanwhile, dropping three of his England contingent - Barkley, Lennon and Jagielka.

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Two sides separated by just the one point face off at Goodison Park this afternoon, then, with victory enough to take one of them into sixth place. Both probably would have expected to be better positioned - not so much in terms of the current standings - sixth place is pretty much par for the course as far as Everton are concerned - but more so the distance between them and the top four. United in particular are well off their target, sitting 14 points off leaders Chelsea.

As far as Everton are concerned, they are eight points off fifth place - pretty much what they should be aiming for this term, even after being left underwhelmed by the summer arrivals. This is very much a long-term project for Koeman at Goodison Park, which started in superb fashion before quickly going off the boil. The Dutchman said in the build-up to today's match that he is "happy" with his side's current footing, but another defeat today and things will look a little bleak.

The Toffees kicked things off this term with 13 points from a possible 15, yet since then it is just one win in eight in the top flight. The honeymoon period is very much over, it is fair to say, with strugglers Crystal Palace and Swansea City both leaving here with a share of the spoils in recent weeks. There was an impressive point at Man City during that run, but the 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea - you will never see a bigger gulf between two teams in one match - showed just how much work is still required.

Everton must now pick themselves up from last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Koeman's former club Southampton, with a goal inside the opening minute costing them in that one. That was a theme of recent weeks, in fact, as the Toffees have been trailing at half time in four of their last five games, having done so just once in the previous eight - slow starts need to become a thing of the past if they are to make up some more points on the top five.

Things do not particularly get any easier for Koeman & Co., though, as they follow up this tough test with games against Arsenal and Liverpool in two of their next three. The good news is that Everton are one of just four sides to have remained unbeaten at home, although that does not quite tell the whole story as Swansea and Palace have both left here with points in two of their last three outings. The overall record at Goodison Park under Koeman in the league is played six, won three, drawn three.

Another interesting stat when it comes to Everton is that only once this term have they outrun their opponents across the full 90 minutes. Read into that what you will, but it certainly suggests that more energy is required in midfield - and certainly more creativity in attack; just the six goals in their last eight outings, which only Hull City can 'better' in the Premier League during that timeframe.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS! Manchester United won all three meetings between these two sides last season, including a famous FA Cup semi-final triumph at Wembley Stadium thanks to Anthony Martial's strike in stoppage time. The Red Devils have also claimed more victories at Goodison Park (15) than at any other ground during the Premier League era, though Everton have won three of the last four here.

Ronald Koeman made an impressive start to life at Everton after jumping ship from Southampton in the summer, claiming 13 points from the first 15 on offer. Since that run in August and September, however, the Toffees have managed just one win in eight in the top flight, leaving them eight points off the top five. The Dutchman says that he is "happy" with their current standing of eighth place, but this poor form has to end soon.

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RESULT! An incredible scoreline to bring you now from the Vitality Stadium, where Bournemouth have recovered from 2-0 and 3-1 down to beat Liverpool 4-3 in the day's early kickoff. That result does not directly impact either Everton or United, but the latter in particular will be looking to break into the top four so dropped points for their arch rivals - in such a disheartening manner - can only be a good thing.

Red Devils boss Mourinho essentially admitted earlier this week that the title is now out of his reach this season, while also claiming that he may never win it during his years at Old Trafford. Ten points is currently the margin on the top four, which really was the minimum target for United this season after their big spending in the summer on top of the arrival of the Special One. Victory today, though, and they are within four points of fifth-placed Spurs.

Like opponents Everton, United made an impressive start to the campaign by getting out of the blocks quickly and racking up a few wins on the bounce. League form has stagnated massively since then, though, best summed up by the fact that they have not won back-to-back games since the opening month. It is just the one win in their last seven and two in 10, meanwhile, with that sole triumph in recent weeks coming against Swansea City in South Wales.

Their home form has been particularly shocking, having been held by Stoke City, Burnley, Arsenal and West Ham United in recent weeks - the first time in 26 years they have drawn four on the bounce at the Theatre of Dreams. Despite all the doom and gloom, fans still remain largely positive as they can see the style of play has certainly improved since Louis van Gaal departed. That will only suffice for so long, but at the moment Mourinho is content enough with how things are panning out.

The problem for United has been turning dominant displays into victories, though they have had a couple of standout results in the past fortnight with heavy wins over Feyenoord and West Ham in cup competitions. The 4-1 victory against the Hammers four days ago showed that they can convert the chances on their day, with Mkhitaryan, Martial and Ibrahimovic each enjoying themselves when linking up. Throw the returning Pogba into the mix and things can surely only get better.

United head into this match unbeaten in five overall but, as touched upon a little earlier, it has now been three months since winning back-to-back games. The Red Devils return to action next weekend with the visit of Tottenham, so they may well see the gap on the division's big boys get bigger prior to the hectic festive fixture list. Progression in the EFL Cup has now been secured, though, while things also look good in the Europa League at last, so all focus can turn to climbing back up the table.

DID YOU KNOW? Manchester United have scored more than once in just four of their 13 games this season - the same amount as Burnley. Putting teams away has been a particular problem for Jose Mourinho, who has lost three of 13 league games at the helm since taking over. For added context, the Portuguese went 68 top-flight matches before hitting four defeats at former club Chelsea.

With kickoff now a little over five minutes away at Goodison Park, let us turn attention to some pre-match thoughts from both camps.

Ronald Koeman: "If somebody had said to me at the beginning of the season that Everton at the beginning of December will be seventh and if they beat United we will go sixth, I would be happy. Of course, I realise we need a win, I realise some away performances have not been good. But we're still unbeaten at home and that's also positive. You need to be realistic and, of course, it's a difficult time because one win out of eight is a long time and we have not been winning enough."

Jose Mourinho: "When I went to Real Madrid, they had gone 25 years without a Spanish Cup and lots of years without a championship. Inter Milan were 50 years without a Champions League. Those jobs were hard but at United, from a tactical point of view, I have never had so many contradictions before in my career. I am having to take the team in a totally different direction from the previous manager - and that is not a criticism of him. But I am ready for it. It is good fun, and I am very happy to do it."

Koeman reiterating in the build-up to today's game that he is happy enough with Everton's current league standing, which could look a little better with victory this afternoon - eighth place becoming sixth place. Away performance have been a concern for the Dutchman but, again, he is content with the way things are panning out at Goodison Park. Mourinho, meanwhile, suggested that this is the 'toughest job' that he has taken on in management so far.

Both sets of players are now out on the field of play at Goodison Park, with a minute's silence to come before kickoff as a mark of respect to those who lost their life in the tragic air crash in Colombia earlier this week. Thoughts then return to events on the pitch, where United are aiming to make it three wins in 11 and the hosts two wins in nine. It is set up nicely, but which of these sides will prevail over the next couple of hours?

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KICKOFF! Manchester United, sporting their traditional home colours this afternoon, get us up and running at Goodison Park. Home side Everton soon win back possession of the ball but a foul is conceded out on the right-hand side.

A bright start from Everton, who get the ball into the box from the right-hand side. Carrick was there to prevent Bolasie tapping it in from close range, but great work from Lukaku to play in Bolasie in the build-up. That is followed by a couple of easily defended corners.

United have managed to see out that early wave of Everton pressure, but home supporters certainly up for this one as they urge their side forward. Barry does well to ease Mkhitaryan off the ball, on what is the Armenian's second league start.

United seeing more of the ball over these past couple of minutes. The ball comes into the box from the left and is half-cleared away, where Pogba is waiting to smash the ball high over Stekelenburg's crossbar. Martial then flagged for offside.

A positive sign from United, with Martial so nearly getting on the end of Mkhitaryan's through-ball from that last attack if not for the offside flag. The hosts made a bright start but have seen less and less of the ball since.

Funes Mori, back in the heart of defence today in place of Jagielka, takes on a shot from just short of 50 yards out. Inevitably, it ended about the same distance wide of the intended target! This match just needs to settle down a little.

Barry with a strong challenge on Ibrahimovic in the middle of the park. A few United players ran over to referee Michael Oliver, but the official just gave the Englishman a talking to - probably about the right decision so early in the game.

Martial loses the ball on the edge of the box, while from the next attack his layoff does not quite have enough on it for Ibrahimovic to take into his path. The visitors certainly finding plenty of gaps in the hole so far, though.

YELLOW CARD! Still awaiting our first real attempt of the afternoon, with Funes Mori and Pogba both blasting the ball well wide of the target from range so far. We should have seen a red, however, as Rojo has lunged in with both feet off the ground on Gueye - just a yellow, says the ref.

SHOT! I think we can just about class this as the game's first shot on target, as a free kick is floated towards the back-post area where it is knocked down into the path of Cleverley. The Englishman made horrible contact and the ball looped into the air, allowing De Gea to collect near his line.

United's turn to be furious now, as Barry deliberately handles the ball and somehow avoids seeing a yellow. Michael Oliver having a shocker of a game, and we are still just a quarter of the way through! Little between the sides so far.

Everton supporters out of their seats, as Bolasie gets the better of Darmian on the counter and so nearly finds Lukaku. Jones stood strong and made enough contact on the ball with his head, however, with United surviving what was a big scare.

It has not been a classic thus far, in truth, particularly when compared to that blockbuster we were treated to between Chelsea and Man City yesterday lunchtime. Still not shots on target, with that Cleverley attempt plucked from the air by De Gea essentially the closest we have come.

CHANCE! Everton having so much joy down United's right in the opening 27 minutes here, but Bolasie takes the wrong choice on this occasion when in behind. The wideman blasted in one of those powerful shot-crosses, which neither tested De Gea nor found waiting teammate Mirallas.

United win a free kick about 23 yards from goal, which Ibrahimovic does very little with. The Swedish star simply picked out the wall, allowing Everton to quickly clear their lines and race up the other end. A shot on target would be nice!

YELLOW CARD! Gareth Barry penalised by Michael Oliver for his third minor offence, which Jones was quick to remind the referee when racing over. Biggest talking point so far has been that red which Rojo somehow evaded.

It is all very safe at the moment from both sides; neither willing to take too many risks and therefore the match is being played out in midfield and not in the attacking third at either end. That will surely change as the game transpires.

Lukaku flicks the ball on towards Mirallas towards the left, but Jones is there to head straight back to De Gea. United edging the possession stakes at the moments, seeing nearly three-quarters of the ball as we enter the final 10 minutes of a disappointing half.

Carrick fires the ball into Ibrahimovic, who is quickly edged off the ball. From the next attack Pogba looks to play through Mkhitaryan, but Funes Mori is quickly across to out the danger with a vital interception just inside the box.

I think I speak on behalf of all the neutrals watching on by asking Michael Oliver to blow for half time around about now. A game lacking any real quality so far, with not a single clear-cut chance of any note and no shots on target.

Four minutes from the interval now. This game is in stark contrast to the earlier kickoff in the Premier League today, which saw Bournemouth recover from two goals down to beat Liverpool 4-3. The winners of this one will climb into sixth place, remember.

We finally have some sort of attacking action at Goodison Park, and it has provided the first goal of the afternoon! A simple ball over the top was helped over the reach of Stekelenburg by Ibrahimovic, with the ball bounding once, hitting the crossbar, spinning onto the post and finally crossing the line - incredible! No idea why the Everton keeper was racing out so far.

The half-time whistle sounds at Goodison Park, where Manchester United lead Everton 1-0. It was an opening 45 minutes lacking any real goalmouth action, right up until the final stages when Zlatan Ibrahimovic latched on to a ball over the top and lobbed former Ajax teammate Maarten Stekelenburg to give the visitors a lead that they have not exactly deserved - neither team doing enough to make the breakthrough.

The biggest talking point in a first half lacking any real entertainment came 16 minutes in, as Marcos Rojo lunged in on Idrissa Gueye with both feet off the ground but somehow escaped with just a yellow card. Paul Pogba and Ramiro Funes Mori both tried their luck from more than 30 yards out, but neither could trouble the opposition keeper in a sign of things to come.

Despite lacking too many attacking ideas, largely due to a safety-first approach, Everton did have some joy down United's right flank and created their only real opening via that route. Romelu Lukaku played Yannick Bolasie around the back, but the wideman could neither test David de Gea nor pick out teammate Kevin Mirallas as the frustrating first half continued.

Just when the opening 45 minutes looked to be heading for a goalless conclusion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic latched on to a simple ball over the top and made the most of former Ajax teammate Maarten Stekelenburg's poor decision to race out of goal. Ibrahimovic got his lobbed finish just about right, with the ball bouncing once, hitting the crossbar, spinning onto the post and then eventually crossing the line for his sixth goal in five outings.

That pretty much covers all of the first-half action, with that late Ibrahimovic goal at least giving us hope that the second half will be a more lively affair. Ronald Koeman may well be tempted to make a change at the midway point, while Jose Mourinho is now likely to stick with his current lineup until around the hour mark.

EVERTON SUBS: Robles, Jagielka, Deulofeu, Barkley, McCarthy, Valencia, Holgate

MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Bailly, Mata, Lingard, Blind, Rashford, Romero, Fellaini

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RESTART! Everton get us back under way at Goodison Park, aiming to get themselves back into the contest following a drab first-half display. Just the one shot on target in that first half, coming via Ibrahimovic to open the scoring.

United take their time over a throw high up the pitch, which Martial knocks down to Darmian for the full-back to swing in a cross. It was easily dealt with, though, putting an end to the first attack of this second period on Merseyside.

A few groans around Goodison Park from frustrated home fans early in the second half. Everton still lacking the intensity that you would expect, failing to really do much when on the ball and sitting off too much when defending United attacks.

Another contentious decision here - and United again lucky to remain with a full set of players on the pitch. Ibrahimovic brought down Coleman, which looked innocent enough, but the Swede appeared to stick his left boot in before getting to his feet.

SAVE! Everton have finally awoken! Mirallas simply drifts straight past Rojo, before blasting a low shot on goal from low range which De Gea does superbly to help over the crossbar. Top save from the Spaniard - his first all afternoon.

CLOSE! The ball rolls over Baines's hand inside the box, leading to shouts for a penalty. It was not given, but Martial took on a shot moments later which deflected just inches wide of the target. Stekelenburg rooted to his spot.

It has gone very scrappy, but there is at least now an intensity to the game as both teams go looking for the second goal of the afternoon. United very much on top at the moment, but De Gea did pull off a huge save five minutes ago.

OFF THE BAR! United getting closer and closer to that second goal. Mkhitaryan had one shot blocked right in front of goal, but the ball was then stood up towards the back post where Herrera saw his strike come back off the crossbar.

Cleverley has picked up an injury problem, which he does not look likely to shake off. That has led to a stoppage in play, halting the momentum that United had slowly been building up which culminated in Herrera's shot against the bar.

Bolasie now in a lot of pain after being shoved off the ball by Martial near the touchline. Koeman will almost certainly make one change in the next few moments, but he may also be forced into a second if the wideman cannot shake this off.

EVERTON SUB! Cleverley is unable to continue, with his place being taken by Deulofeu. Bolasie and Coleman also carrying knocks at the moment, so Koeman will have to use his changes wisely in the remainder of this game.

EVERTON SUB! Coleman limps off the pitch, holding his shoulder which he clearly damaged when Ibrahimovic landed on top of him. Mason Holgate now on in his place, up against Martial who will now surely fancy his chances.

EVERTON SUB! No rhythm to this game whatsoever over the past 10 minutes, with Bolasie the latest to hobble off the pitch in quick succession. Enner Valencia comes on in his place, meaning Ross Barkley will play no part in this game.

Get forward is the cry from home fans, as Everton again take their time to go direct to Lukaku. The Toffees certainly seeing more of the ball now, with Mourinho perhaps thinking about making his first change of the afternoon.

A much better second half in terms of chances, but since those quick-fire Everton changes it has again gone rather quiet. United happy to try their luck on the counter now, sitting back on this one-goal advantage given to them by Ibrahimovic.

SAVE! From pretty much nowhere Gueye puts his boot through the ball from range, testing De Gea with a stinging shot that he could not quite handle. The ball was parried by the Spaniard, but there was enough distance on it to prevent a tap-in.

SAVE! De Gea really having to earn his wages now, as a flicked header is tipped over the bar. Not the most difficult of saves for him to make, but he had to peddle backwards to ensure that it did not drop under his bar.

United trying their best to slow the game down when winning a free kick. Fellaini has been sent to warm-up and will likely be introduced shortly, even if it is just to eat up some more seconds. The Red Devils having to defend more than they would perhaps like.

SAVE! Valencia gets on the end of a right-sided cross, which he heads too close to De Gea for the Spaniard to keep out. Rashford is waiting on the sidelines and is about to be brought on, with eight minutes left to play.

MANCHESTER UNITED SUB! Marcus Rashford is the first player to be introduced by Mourinho, taking the place of Anthony Martial out wide. More a case of defending and hitting Everton on the counter-attack now, really.

MANCHESTER UNITED SUB! A Goodison Park return for Fellaini now, as he comes on for Mkhitaryan - United appearance number 100 for the Belgian. Ibrahimovic is not looking too healthy at the moment after an awkward landing.

PENALTY TO EVERTON! On the field for just a minute, Fellaini brings down Gueye inside the area and referee Michael Oliver points to the spot! The Belgian booked for his complaints, too, but further punishment could well come...

De Gea, who has kept out a Baines pen once before, guesses the right way but the ball is just out of his reach. Everton right up for this now, as Valencia bursts forward and sends a deflected shot wide of the target. What a conclusion we are in for!

SAVE! It really is all Everton now. Baines bursts forwards and fires in a shot on goal, which De Gea does well to simply help around his post. Three minutes of added time to come now, with plenty still to play for.

Everton really knocking on the door now, but a cross from the right is well handled by De Gea down low. At this rate we have one more big chance to come in this gave, with around 60 seconds still left to play at Goodison Park.

A game for so long lacking any real entertainment provided us with a huge late twist, then, as Marouane Fellaini came off the bench to give away a penalty against his former club. Leighton Baines made no mistake, tucking past David de Gea to cancel out Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 42nd-minute opener. The Red Devils ultimately punished in the end for sitting back on their lead for so long.

That concludes Sports Mole's live text coverage of events at Goodison Park. An on-the-whistle report can be found by clicking here, while plenty of reaction from both camps can be found elsewhere on the site over the next hour or so. Thanks for joining!