After rounding off Gameweek 22 with a 3-1 win at Brentford, Manchester City open up the Premier League’s weekend action by hosting Everton at Saturday lunchtime.
City fell behind at the Gtech on Monday night against opponents that have had success against them in the past, but a Phil Foden hat-trick ensured the visitors walked away with three points to leave them in a strong position in the title race.
Pep Guardiola’s side are still unbeaten since Christmas and have won their last nine games in all competitions.
Everton, meanwhile, desperately need to start picking up points soon to ease their relegation fears. Luton Town’s impressive run has seen Sean Dyche’s side slip down to 18th, with the Toffees winless in their last three (a run which includes an FA Cup defeat to the Hatters). They snatched a point last time out against Tottenham; a contest they probably deserved to win.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Saturday’s Premier League clash.
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Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
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United Kingdom |
TNT Sports 1, discovery+ App, discovery+, TNT Sports Ultimate |
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United States |
Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, nbcsports.com, UNIVERSO, Telemundo, NBC Sports App, USA Network |
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Canada |
fuboTV |
City are one of few sides currently unbothered by injuries.
Manuel Akanji was back on the bench on Monday night, with John Stones also an unused substitute. Both players are vying for starts this weekend.
Guardiola will undoubtedly shuffle his pack on Saturday given the shorter turnaround. Jack Grealish and Matheus Nunes are among those likely to start against the Toffees.
Man City predicted lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake; Rodri, Nunes; Foden, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland.
The visitors have a few injury concerns, especially in midfield. Andre Gomes’ latest knock has seen him miss Everton’s last few games after he scored the winner in their FA Cup third-round replay against Crystal Palace.
Amadou Onana is unlikely to feature with a knee injury, while a lower leg issue is set to keep Arnaut Danjuma out of action. Dele Alli is a long-term absentee, but Abdoulaye Doucoure (hamstring) could be available.
Nathan Patterson should replace Ben Godfrey in Everton’s back four.
Everton predicted lineup vs Man City (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Young, Gueye, Garner, McNeil; Harrison; Calvert-Lewin.
Foden inspired City to a 3-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park in December and the Englishman is now working in harmony with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. The latter has shown hints of rust since returning to the side, but this could be the game where he rediscovers his most potent form.
Everton’s underlying numbers suggests they’ll be far too good to be bothered by relegation, but they do need to start picking up points and they’re unlikely to arrive this weekend.
While there are aspects of Dyche’s side which could give the hosts problems, it’s hard to bet against City given their majestic run of form. Everton are winless in their last 14 games against the Cityzens and that horrible run will continue on Saturday, potentially with an emphatic defeat.
