Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Citizens, who had their lead at the top of the table cut to just one point, host a Toffees side that sit just two points outside of the top four.
Current Form
Despite Manchester City’s recent loss, a 2-0 away defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, the Sky Blues are currently enjoying a remarkable run of form. Winning six out of their previous seven matches and heading into the recent international break atop the table.
Having only lost one of their previous 12 matches in all competitions, City and Guardiola have no need to panic just yet. That said, City will be hoping to hit the ground running against a team that has been known to cause them problems before.
Everton, under new boss Ronald Koeman, are currently adjusting to the end of their honeymoon period with the Dutch manager. They have won just one of the last three games, a 3-1 home victory against newly promoted Middlesbrough.
After drawing with Crystal Palace two weeks ago, Everton will be looking to make a statement about their top four credentials. They will be facing a team though, who this season have been labelled as title-favourites.
Team News
Kevin De Bruyne’s faster-than-expected recovery from a hamstring injury means he could feature, pending a late fitness test. Sergio Aguero could also feature after overcoming an adductor strain picked up on international duty with Argentina.
However, Manchester City are still without captain Vincent Kompany, whose injury nightmare continues to keep him out of the side. Fabian Delph is also out as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury. Rejuvenated winger Raheem Sterling could also join his compatriot on the sidelines after withdrawing from England‘s latest World Cup Qualifiers due to a calf strain.
The Toffees could welcome back as many as four players into the first team fold. Top scorer Romelu Lukaku and Phil Jagielka have both overcome thigh injuries picked up while on international duty. Leighton Baines, having missed the previous three games due to a hamstring problem is also deemed fit.
Darron Gibson could also feature after successfully recovering from groin surgery. James McCarthy, however, is doubtful after featuring for the Republic of Ireland. McCarthy has just come back after a six week absence recovering from a groin problem. Long-term absentee Muhamed Besic remains sidelined with a knee problem.
Statistics
Romelu Lukaku and Sergio Aguero are currently level in the premier league scoring charts with five goals each.
This fixture will be the first time that John Stones faces his former side since his £47.5m to Manchester City in the Summer.
Since Sheikh Mansour took over Manchester City in 2008, Everton have led the head-to-head between the two teams, winning eight of the 16 meetings between the two sides and drawing only twice.
The last time Everton won at The Etihad (then the City of Manchester Stadium) was in December 2010, winning 2-1 with goals from Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines. Yaya Toure scored the only goal for City. In contrast, the last time Manchester City won at home to Everton was in December 2014, with Yaya Toure scoring again. This time a penalty was the only goal that separated the two sides in a 1-0 win.
The 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane was Pep Guardiola’s first loss as Manchester City manager in all competitions. The Spaniard has won 10 of his 12 games in charge, drawing only once – away to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic in the Champions League.
Final Thoughts
After being handed a reality check, Manchester City will be looking to get back to winning ways. Such is the recent history of this fixture, however, that this could prove to be a very tricky match for them.
Both teams have made good starts under their respective new managers though, and this could continue for both sides, even if the spoils are shared at the final whistle.
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