Preview and Prediction
The Citizens’ campaign this season has not got any better yet. They are stuck on the eighth, which is worse than the previous seasons when they normally sit on the top four. This week they have tight fixtures and are obliged to play three times in a week, including the Boxing Day. Their next game against Everton is one of the tricky ones as Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now on the higher position. They are currently sitting on the fourth with three points higher than Manchester City.
The teams’ previous games
The Toffees put more pressure and misery to Arsenal while hosting them last weekend. Rob Holding’s own goal and Yerry Mina’s header gave them the necessary victory while The Gunners could only reply once by Nicolas Pepe’s penalty. Unfortunately, their positive trend ended in EFL Cup when they lost 0-2 from Manchester United in the midweek fixtures.
Kevin de Bruyne and Co also trashed the same opponent, Arsenal 4-1 in the EFL Cup. Their winning goals were scored by Gabi Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte. Arsenal responded one goal only by Alexander Lacazette.
Possible tactic
Carlo Ancellotti might have a headache with a number of key players sidelined for the fixtures in this crucial stage. Without Lucas Digne, James Rodriguez, Fabian Delph and Allan, plus probably Richarlison who is doubtful for being included in the line up, the Italian boss could deploy 4-3-3 again with Alex Iwobi and Gyfli Sigurdsson to accompany the targetman, Dominic Calvert Lewin. In the midfield, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies and Andre Gomes or Jonjoe Kenny could get a nod for the starting IX.
His counterpart, Pep Guardiola surely would still be opting for 4-3-3. With no major injuries in his squad, Gabi Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez or Phil Foden are likely to get a nod in the starting IX. In the midfield, Kevin De Bruyne will occupy the playmaking role as always. The only thing concerns Guardiola would be their fatigue.
Players to watch
Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains the dangerous striker without Richarlison or James Rodriguez. He has registered eleven goals so far. Another notable name to watch is the Icelandic international Gyfli Sigurdsson who has netted one goal and provided two assists.
The top performers in Guardiola’s men are still Kevin de Bruyne with two goals and seven assists and Raheem Sterling with four goals and two assists. Another vital figures to focus on is the wing back Joao Cancelo.
Everton vs Manchester City Prediction
This is possibly called the clash of two tiring teams. It could potentially become less entertaining considering their physical fitness, which might be crucial to make the difference here. In the end, both teams shall share the spoils
Betting odds
Neither side is the favourite here. The host’s win market is at 11/2, whereas The Citizens are priced to win at 6/11. The odds for the draw result are at the value of 37/10.
