Manchester United vs Everton Match Preview
Manchester United can move five points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool, with the latter two not playing until Sunday.
Everton have been involved in three 1-1 draws in a row, two against rivals Liverpool and the latest against Arsenal on Wednesday. Those matches were played at a frenetic pace, and David Moyes will hope that his players will have recovered in time for another daunting encounter.
Leaders United broke the Premier League record for clean sheets in their 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday as they completed a run of 11 top-flight matches without conceding a single goal.
Man United team news
Wayne Rooney will not figure for Manchester United against Everton on Saturday - although the striker is expected to return to action at West Ham United next Sunday.
Rooney limped out of United's Barclays Premier League match with Wigan Athletic earlier this month after picking up a hamstring injury but could now be available for England's friendly with Spain in Seville on 11th February.
Patrice Evra and Nani could also return next weekend, while Ferguson reports no fresh injury worries from Tuesday's 5-0 win at West Bromwich Albion.
Neither Rio Ferdinand nor Wes Brown have suffered any reaction to their comebacks while young Brazilian full-back Fabio is also in contention as United look to complete an unprecedented 12th top-flight clean sheet in a row.
Everton team news
Everton could be without key midfielders Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini at Old Trafford.
Cahill, who has scored four goals in eight starts as a makeshift striker, injured his right foot in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Although X-rays have revealed only severe bruising and no break, he remains a doubt to face United.
Fellaini injured a shin against the Gunners and manager David Moyes will not risk either player if there is any doubt.
Squads
Man United: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Vidic, O'Shea, Fabio, Chester, Eckersley, Ronaldo, Scholes, Giggs, Carrick, Park, Gibson, Possebon, Tevez, Berbatov, Welbeck.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Anichebe, Gosling, Castillo, Rodwell, Neville, Osman, Arteta, Fellaini, Pienaar, Cahill, Nash, Yobo, Van der Meyde, Jacobsen, Jutkiewicz.