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.
Man City team news
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
Man City predicted lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake; Rodri, Nunes; Foden, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland.
Man City vs Everton score prediction
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.
Prediction: Man City 4-0 Everton