Everton will host Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday, with both teams eager to secure a positive result in this Premier League clash.
Since David Moyes took charge, Everton has been tough to beat, losing just once in their last six league matches, though they have only managed a single win in that period. Despite their resilience, Everton has struggled historically against Manchester City, who have won their last eight away games against the Toffees and remain unbeaten in their six most recent meetings. On paper, Manchester City have the stronger squad and enters this match as favorites.
Manchester City comes into the game with solid recent form, having won three and drawn two of their last six Premier League matches. However, they face some injury issues that could affect their lineup.
Team News & Tactics
Everton
David Moyes will be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh), Orel Mangala (knee), and Jesper Lindstrom (knock). Everton is expected to line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Jordan Pickford in goal. Jake O’Brien and Vitaliy Mykolenko will start as full-backs, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite will form the central defense.
In midfield, James Garner and Idrissa Gueye will provide defensive cover and physicality, while Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil offer pace and creativity on the wings. Carlos Alcaraz will play just behind striker Beto, who leads the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-4-1-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Gueye, McNeil; Alcaraz; Beto.
Manchester City
Manchester City will miss Rodri (long-term knee injury), John Stones (thigh), Manuel Akanji (groin), Nathan Ake (ankle), Ederson (groin), and Erling Haaland (ankle). Stefan Ortega is expected to start in goal.
City will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol will be the full-backs, with Ruben Dias partnering Abdukodir Khusanov in central defense. In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan and Nico Gonzalez will control the center, with Kevin De Bruyne playing as the attacking midfielder. Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden will provide width and flair on the wings, while Omar Marmoush leads the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Khusanov, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Gonzalez; Foden, De Bruyne, Doku; Marmoush.
Key Stats
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Manchester City has won their last eight away matches against Everton across all competitions.
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City has scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight away games versus Everton.
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Everton is unbeaten in five of their last six Premier League matches.
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Manchester City remains unbeaten in their last six matches against Everton.
Player to Watch: Omar Marmoush
Omar Marmoush has been a standout performer this season, especially in the Premier League, where he has scored six goals in ten appearances, all at home. Known for his movement, finishing, and flair, Marmoush will be crucial for Manchester City’s attacking threat. City will rely on him to break down Everton’s disciplined defense and help secure all three points.
Everton vs Manchester City Prediction
Everton 1-2 Manchester City
Manchester City’s quality and recent dominance over Everton suggest they will edge this tight contest, but Everton’s resilience means they will make it a hard-fought game.
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