Manchester City return to Premier League action aiming to solidify themselves as title contenders once again, while mid-table Everton look to keep building momentum.
Match News and Current Form
Despite a stuttering start to the campaign, Pep Guardiola’s side are slowly looking back to their best after a run of seven matches in all competitions without loss (W5, D2). Their home form has been key to that resurgence, with seven wins in their last eight Premier League games at the Etihad and 3+ goal victory margins in both of the past two. That latter statistic underlines how frightening their attack is at the moment, and indeed City are the division’s top scorers this calendar year (G55).
Despite a terrible recent record against City, Everton should be full of confidence after a late comeback saw them end Crystal Palace’s 19-match unbeaten run two weeks ago (2-1). Having won six of their last ten Premier League games (D2, L2), as many wins as in their previous 27 (D13, L8), the Toffees are expected to make life tough for their opponents having not lost by more than a goal away from home in the top flight since last December. Everton have a strange omen working in their favour here too, as they've intriguingly won their last three Saturday-held 3pm away kick-offs in the Premier League.
Head-to-Head History
City are unbeaten in their last 17 H2Hs (W14, D3), while Everton have not won at the Etihad since 2010. Everton boss David Moyes has lost on each of his last eight visits to this ground.
Hot Stats and Streaks
All three home league goals City conceded this season came between the 31st minute and half-time.
City have gone 1-0 up inside 20 minutes in each of their last five matches.
Everton have never won a Premier League away game under Moyes against a side that finished the previous season in the division’s top three (D12, L24).
Everton have been the most-fouled team in the Premier League ahead of this round (91).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Erling Haaland got a hat-trick in the international break for Norway and has scored each of his last five home goals for City after half-time. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye followed up his equaliser against Palace with a goal and an assist for Senegal over the break, while he also netted in this fixture last season (1-1).
Rodri is sidelined once again for City, while on-loan Everton winger Jack Grealish is unable to face his parent club.
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Betting Analysis
It is hard to look past City here given their fine recent form, but with Everton likely to make it tough, a one-goal margin of victory for City seems a smart pick.
Author: David H