The Toffees are set to visit the Etihad Stadium this weekend with the aim of securing a victory against Manchester City. It comes as no shock that the home team is favored to win, particularly given their previous 1-3 triumph at Goodison Park earlier in the season.
Manchester City Form
There's not much to elaborate on regarding Manchester City, as they consistently deliver strong performances each season. Heading into the upcoming match, they boast a remarkable nine consecutive wins, including a recent 1-3 triumph against Brentford, where Phil Foden secured a hat-trick.
Currently holding a game in hand over their table competitors, a victory this weekend could propel them to the top, surpassing Liverpool. City remains unbeaten at home this season, a fortunate streak for them.
Under Pep Guardiola's leadership, Manchester City exhibits prowess in both offense and defense, evident in their impressive statistics of conceding only 1.14 goals per game while scoring 2.45 – the best in the league.
Everton Form
Heading to the Etihad Stadium is a daunting challenge regardless of the team's form, and Everton's confidence might be further shaken by their winless streak in the last six games. However, their recent 2-2 draw against Spurs at home could inject some positivity.
Even without the point deductions, Everton, currently in the relegation zone with 19 points, would almost be assured of survival. Sean Dyche's resilient team holds the sixth-best away record in the league, consistent with their characteristic style of play.
The offensive struggles persist for Everton, averaging only 1.13 goals per game, a tally surpassed by only two teams in the league. Consequently, their reliance this weekend may shift to their defense, as they maintain the fourth-best defensive record, conceding just 1.30 goals per match.
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City has a complete squad without any injuries, opening the possibility for alterations in the lineup this weekend.
Everton Team News
Amadou Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure may make a comeback to the squad following their recovery from injuries, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to resume his role as the leading striker.
Manchester City possible lineup
Ederson, Rico Lewis, John Stones, Nathan Aké, Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland.
Everton possible lineup
Jordan Pickford, Benjamin Godfrey, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitali Mykolenko, Ashley Young, Idrissa Gueye, James Garner, Dwight McNeil, Jack Harrison and D. Calvert-Lewin.
Prediction
While Manchester City is poised to secure their tenth consecutive victory, Everton is unlikely to be an easy opponent. Dyche anticipates his team adopting a defensive stance and exploiting counter-attack opportunities, potentially surprising the home team.
The ultimate forecast is a 4-1 victory for Manchester City against Everton.