Premier League: Manchester City Vs Everton Preview

Written By Jacobs Dunga

Manchester City left for the international break on a high, with a comfortable 2-0 victory against city rivals Manchester United at the Old Trafford. The Citizens shockingly were humbled in their last home game in the league, going down 0-2 to Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace.

Southampton did go to the Etihad to pick up a draw already this season in a further testament that the Pep Guardiola led side haven’t been unplayable at home this season. However, Pep would not want to lose ground on his title rivals, Chelsea and Liverpool, both of whom posted big wins on Saturday.

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Everton come into this fixture as one of the most inconsistent sides in the league. The Toffees started the season with five wins and a draw in their first six games and looked like a team ready to compete till the end.

The Merseyside Blues have now gone the last five games without a victory and losing three of those five. An embarrassing home loss to Watford was followed by a defeat at the Molineux before a goalless draw at home to Spurs just before the international break. Rafa Benitez will hope to turn around the fortunes of his side in this statement match.

TEAM NEWS

The champions will make do without their talismanic midfielder in Kevin De Bruyne who tested positive to COVID-19.

Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes, Dominic Calvert Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure are all unavailable for selection as confirmed by the coach.

Ferran Torres is still recovering from an injury but Aymeric Laporte is expected to reclaim his spot following a red card against Palace that kept him out.

Alex Iwobi could possibly start ahead of Anthony Gordon in the attack while Mason Holgate sit out the first of his ban, following a red card picked up against Spurs.

Phil Foden is expected to start from the bench after suffering a knock on international duty with Raheem Sterling touted for a starting berth.

Tom Davies continues to be out with a knee problem with Richarlison expected to keep his place alongside Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend.

Style Of Play

Pep Guardiola’s varying 4-3-3 system depending on the players on parade has seen his Manchester City team master the beating of the opposition press with City exploiting overloads in wide areas which is created by their inverted fullbacks. They’re also capable of causing damage from central areas with the presence of players such as De Bruyne and Gundogan penetrating through the middle when required.

Everton under Rafa Benitez are known to play in a 4-4-2 formation that gives room for the wingers to run down the line and provide crosses for the main striker. Though, they struggle to keep a lot of possession but are definitely dangerous on the break with players like Townsend and Gray capable of hurting opponents if the opportunity emerges.

FORM

Manchester City’s form this season have been intermittent. The Citizens have produced some jaw dropping performances like the ones against Chelsea and Manchester United away from home but have also capitulated in games against Crystal Palace and Southampton at home. A win on Sunday would however be significant for their morale, going into the decisive Champions League fixture against PSG on Wednesday.

Everton’s poor form is something that’s visible even to the blind. The Toffees have drawn just two of the last five games under Rafa Benitez with the other three ending in defeats. The Merseyside team haven’t won a game since their 2-0 win over Norwich at the end of September.

HEAD TO HEAD

City have won the last seven fixtures between these two with twenty one goals scored and just five conceded.

Everton amongst teams yet to win the Premier League have the most wins against City with fourteen.

City already lost four Premier League home games in 2021, that’s one fewer than they lost in four years between 2017 and 2020.

The last time Everton picked a point in this fixture was back in 20217 at the Etihad.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Joao Cancelo has been in great form for Pep Guardiola’s side lately and is expected to continue in that rich vein of form when hostilities begin later on Sunday afternoon

There will be heavy reliance on the duo of Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray to hurt City on the break

Sterling may possibly return to the starting line up and would want to make a statement if given the nod from the start.

Richarlison hasn’t really got going this season but his physical presence will cause the City back line problems.

VERDICT

A huge City win considering the poor form and the number of players Everton have that are injured at the moment.

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