Manchester City are set to host Everton at the Etihad Stadium, eyeing a win to maintain their challenge at the top of the Premier League alongside Liverpool and Arsenal.
The Premier League action kicks off this weekend with a vital clash between Manchester City and Everton. Pep Guardiola’s team is aiming for their ninth consecutive win, following a 3-1 victory at Brentford on Monday night. City find themselves in second place, just two points behind Liverpool but with a game in hand. After a challenging December, the reigning champions have bounced back, putting themselves in a strong position to defend their title. The return of key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland from injury has certainly bolstered their squad.
On the other hand, Everton are embroiled in a fight to avoid relegation, compounded by a ten-point deduction earlier in the season. This penalty has left them in the relegation zone, just one point from safety. Coming off a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Tottenham last weekend, Sean Dyche’s side will be looking to leverage that momentum against what is arguably their toughest match of the season.
Haaland, who recently made a comeback in City’s 3-1 win over Burnley, has been a vital player for the team, scoring 14 goals in just 17 league appearances this season.
Everton faces the daunting task of breaking down the league’s third-best defence and finding a way through the most potent attack. Scoring has been a challenge for the Toffees, with only 26 goals to their name, the third lowest in the league. With Abdoulaye Doucoure, their top scorer with six goals, out injured, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling for form, Everton’s task seems even more formidable.
Historically, Manchester City have dominated this fixture, winning 12 of the last 13 encounters across all competitions, with the other match ending in a draw. Everton’s last victory against City dates back to January 2017, a memorable 4-0 win at Goodison Park in Guardiola’s first Premier League season.
In their previous meeting earlier this season, City secured a 3-1 win away from home. Despite falling behind to a Jack Harrison goal, City rallied in the second half with goals from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, and Bernardo Silva to turn the match around.
Best Tip – BTTS – 4/5
