It has been a struggle for Ronald Koeman’s Everton in recent weeks, as the Toffees have won just one of their last eight Premier League matches.

Koeman’s men laboured to a 1-0 defeat at Southampton last weekend, as the Dutchman made an unhappy return to the South Coast just six months after leaving the club.

It was a pretty poor performance from an Everton side that look a shadow of the team that won four of their first five league games, and sat second in the table behind Manchester City on September 17.

The Toffees could really do with getting back to winning ways fast before they become cut adrift of the European places, and they’ve got the opportunity to keep up the pressure on the top six when they host Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United on Sunday.

The Red Devils beat West Ham 4-1 in the League Cup on Wednesday, but their league form has been less impressive, winning just one of their last seven games.

With both sides in desperate need of a win, it could be a tense and nervy encounter at Goodison Park on Sunday, and Koeman may look to shuffle his pack in a bid to get a response from his players after last weekend’s woeful display at St Mary’s.

Thus, here are THREE players who deserve a chance on Sunday…

Kevin Mirallas

Aaron Lennon didn’t have his best game for Everton last week, and will be fortunate to keep his place come Sunday.

The former England international rarely used his pace to stretch the Southampton defence, and his tally of no goals and no assists this season isn’t good enough for a player of his quality, especially when you’ve got someone like Kevin Mirallas sat on the bench.

The Belgian international hasn’t started their last three games, but could come into the side on Sunday as the Toffees look to register just their second win in nine league games.

James McCarthy

In what was a poor display at Southampton last weekend, Koeman may look to freshen up the midfield area.

Gareth Barry looked a bit leggy against the Saints, and really struggled when the home side tried to come through the middle with pace, while Idrissa Gueye wasn’t the strong and energetic midfielder we’ve seen over the last 18 months.

Koeman may decide to go to a midfield three on Sunday, which could mean a recall for James McCarthy, who has seen first team opportunities hard to come by so far this season.

The Republic of Ireland international started the 1-1 draw with Swansea a fortnight ago, which perhaps suggests that he’s back in the first-team picture, and it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if he featured against United.

Gerard Deulofeu

With Lennon and Ross Barkley performing below par at Southampton last weekend, Koeman could give Gerard Deulofeu his fourth Premier League start of the season on Sunday.

The 22-year-old has struggled to nail down a regular spot since joining permanently last year, but his directness and pace could be needed against what is likely to be a makeshift United backline.

Deulofeu has started three games in the Premier League this season, and Everton haven’t lost any of them, so he’s clearly doing something right when he’s on the pitch.