Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to take another step towards a Champions League ticket, Manchester City will travel to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon when they meet Everton.
Everton
Starting with the hosts, snatching what was a sensational last-gasp 1-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest last weekend, Everton are certainly enjoying life since David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park back in January. Despite marking their return from March’s international break with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool, that is the only Premier League defeat that Everton have suffered from their previous 12 Premier League appearances – a run that stems all the way back to January 15th. Skyrocketing themselves away from a looming relegation scrap, Saturday’s hosts have gained a reputation for their rugged approach under the former West Ham boss. Snatching a 1-1 stalemate when they travelled to the Etihad for their reverse Premier League meeting on Boxing Day, Everton will be looking to collect a heavyweight scalp here.
Everton Team News
Not featuring since the end of January, Everton are once again expected to be without England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, still dealing with a knee injury, Lyon loanee Orel Mangala remains on the sidelines and will not feature here.
Handed a rare start against Nottingham Forest last week, Chelsea loanee Armando Broja will be hoping to keep his spot leading the line. Returning from a muscle injury earlier in the month, former Burnley starlet Dwight McNeil should get some more minutes under his belt.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have broken a string of unwanted records this season, the Sky Blues have turned somewhat of a recent corner. Mounting what was an essential comeback at the Etihad last week as they eventually claimed a thrilling 5-2 victory against Crystal Palace, Pep Guardiola’s men are desperate to take another giant leap towards a crucial Champions League ticket. Booking their FA Cup semi-final ticket last month as they marked their return from March’s international break with a 2-1 win against Bournemouth, Saturday’s guests have suffered just a sole defeat from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Landing a 3-1 victory when they travelled to Goodison Park last season, the former Barcelona boss will be demanding a repeat performance this weekend.
Manchester City Team News
Still dealing with an ankle injury, Manchester City will once again be without attacking talisman Erling Haaland on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, the Sky Blues will travel to Goodison Park this weekend without the likes of John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
Limping off against Crystal Palace last week, Guardiola’s camp are sweating over the fitness of Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson here. Making a real impact since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt during the January transfer window, Omar Marmoush will spearhead City’s attack.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Everton and Manchester City met for their reverse Premier League meeting on Boxing Day, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate.
- Man City have suffered just a single defeat from their previous eight matchups across all competitions.
- The Toffees have suffered from their previous 12 Premier League appearances – a run that stems all the way back to January 15th.
- January recruit Omar Marmoush has found the net in four of his previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Each of Everton’s last four Premier League showdowns at Goodison Park have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Mounting a crucial comeback against Crystal Palace last weekend as they eventually dragged themselves to an action-packed 5-2 victory, Manchester City are desperate to take another giant leap towards a Champions League ticket. However, forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate when they welcomed Everton to the Etihad for their reverse Premier League meeting on Boxing Day, Saturday’s hosts have gained a reputation for their rugged success. With the Toffees seeing all of their last four matchups at Goodison finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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