Everton will be without key defender Jake O’Brien when they take on Manchester United later this month.
There are midweek games in the Premier League due to the next round of FA Cup fixtures taking place this weekend.
Although United have been knocked out of the FA Cup following a third-round defeat at the hands of Brighton, Michael Carrick’s side were among the sides competing for more points in the league on Tuesday night.
A late equaliser from Benjamin Sesko rescued a point as United drew 1-1 with West Ham, which sadly saw a four-match win streak under Carrick come to an end.
What did Michael Carrick get right with his game management vs West Ham?
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United will have to wait until January 23 to try to get back to winning ways. That’s when they will travel to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.
Everton have been dealt a big blow ahead of the match that will force former United manager David Moyes to select a team without one of his key defenders.
David Moyes in disbelief after Jake O'Brien red card
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Jake O’Brien ruled out for Man Utd clash after red card
Everton’s night was made worse on Tuesday when they lost 2-1 against Bournemouth because Jake O’Brien was sent off.
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O’Brien was sent off after denying Amine Adli a clear goalscoring opportunity when he collided with the Bournemouth man in the 69th minute.
The red card came after Everton conceded twice as Bournemouth turned the game on its head.
When asked about O’Brien’s red card, Moyes told reporters: “I’ve not got a view. The referee has made his decision and he has chosen to give him a red card.
“We probably put more pressure on with 10 men than we did with 11. It’s the referee’s decision; he makes them.”
It is not yet known if Everton are planning to appeal O’Brien’s red card, but as things stand, he is facing a one-match suspension despite being given a straight red card for a professional foul (denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity).
Everton, like United, have a near two-week break before their next fixture.
How many points will Man Utd get from the next five games? Let’s hear your predictions/hopes…
Michael Carrick took 13 points from his first five…
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David Moyes tasked with reshuffling defence without Jake O’Brien
Although Moyes hinted that Everton were better without O’Brien against Bournemouth, there’s no doubt that the Toffees will miss the Republic of Ireland international when they host United.
O’Brien can play at centre-back but he has been used primarily as a right-back under Moyes this season.
Moyes will have to make a change at right-back as a result.
The Scot’s options include James Garner, which would appear experimental, or Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman.
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