Manchester City vs Everton

Manchester City and Everton go head-to-head in a tasty-looking Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City bounced back from a frustrating 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in late October with an eye-catching 2-0 derby win over Manchester United last time out. But, Pep Guardiola’s inability to land an out-and-out striker in the summer has come back to bite him a couple of times this term, with City drawing a blank in two of their last three Premier League home outings (W1, D1, L1). Worryingly, the reigning English champions have already lost four top-flight home matches in 2021, just one defeat less than they suffered in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 combined (5)! However, the ‘Citizens’ will be confident of hitting the ground running at the Etihad after beating Everton in their last seven top-flight H2Hs as hosts by an aggregate score of 21-5.

Meanwhile, faced with the prospect of losing nine Premier League matches in a row versus a single opposition for the second time in the club’s history, Everton will feel the pressure in Manchester. After a promising start to his managerial career at Goodison, opinion-splitting manager Rafael Benitez has carried his side to an underwhelming five-game winless run in the Premier League (D2, L3). With the pressure ramping up on Benitez, the Spaniard will dwell on Everton’s impressive top-flight record against the reigning champions. Among teams who have yet to lift the Premier League title, the ‘Toffees’ have recorded more wins (14) against the defending champions than any other side in England’s top division. After returning just one away point out of the possible nine from losing positions this season (D1, L2), Everton will be seeking a fast start at the Etihad.