Manchester City are still reeling from a shock run of nine defeats in their last 12 matches, including three straight losses that have left them well off the pace in the title race. Pep Guardiola’s side looked to be on an upward trajectory when Mateo Kovacic and John Stones returned from injury, but their presence wasn’t enough to halt City’s slide in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa. Now 12 points adrift of top spot, the defending champions face a tricky Boxing Day encounter against Everton.
Despite sitting 15th in the table, the Toffees have proven they can upset the odds by earning back-to-back draws against Arsenal and Chelsea. Sean Dyche has instilled defensive discipline and determination in his squad, with Jordan Pickford in inspired form between the sticks. Meanwhile, the return of promising centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has added steel to Everton’s backline.
Here are three betting tips worth considering:
- Everton or Draw Double Chance @2.80
Everton’s recent performances away from Goodison Park suggest they can grind out a result. With only two losses in their last six away outings, Dyche’s side appear well-positioned to frustrate a misfiring City attack. This selection offers a solid balance between risk and reward. - Under 2.5 Goals @2.10
Manchester City’s scoring output has dipped in recent weeks, and they’ve conceded far more than expected. Everton tend to keep things tight on the road, and if Pickford maintains his top form, this could easily be a low-scoring affair. The odds here reflect the growing possibility of a cagey contest. - Correct Score 0-0 @13.00
For punters seeking a higher payout, a goalless stalemate is not as far-fetched as it might have seemed a few months ago. Considering City’s lack of fluency in front of goal and Everton’s defensive resoluteness, these odds present decent value. From a probability perspective, the gulf between the teams is smaller than usual, making 13.00 an attractive price if you believe City’s attacking woes will continue.
