The Boxing Day will feature a highly anticipated match between Manchester City and Everton. Manchester City have been going through a very difficult time, and they have already left out of the title race, going 12 points behind the table topper.
The defending champions are extremely desperate to return to the winning track as they have won only one of their last 12 matches across all competitions. Manager Pep Guardiola has never had a difficult time like this in his entire managerial career which has made him out of control. Man City have now lost three consecutive games across all competitions, losing back-to-back league matches.
They are now determined to secure all three points when they welcome Everton tomorrow at Etihad Stadium. However, Everton are fully confident to get a result at Etihad Stadium. Captain James Tarkowski said, “City are a top side, so people are going to question them at the minute, but we are going there fully expecting to get a result from the game. We are a team in good form and we have not lost many games in the last 12 or 13 games and we are in a place where we are feeling good.”
Stats & Facts
- Everton have failed to win any of their last 13 matches against Manchester City at Etihad in the English Premier League.
- Man City have lost only one of their last 22 meetings with the Toffees, winning 12 of their last 13 meetings.
- Everton are unbeaten in their previous 8 Boxing Day matches, having won five and tied the remaining three.
- Everton and Manchester City have averaged 2.4 goals per meeting.
- Manchester City have picked up the lowest points in the Premier League in November-December.
Team News
Defender John Stones picked up an injury during the defeat against Aston Villa, and he is still uncertain ahead of the Boxing Day game. Ederson and Matheus Nunes are also in doubt for the match against the Toffees. However, Matheo Kovacic and Nathan Ake have returned to training and should be available for the match.
As for the Toffees, Armando Broja is back again, but he has to fight for the place in the starting XI as Calvert Lewin is the favorite to start. But Ashley Young will miss the match due to his suspension, while Dwight McNeil is out of the squad due to his injury.
Possible Lineup for Man City:
Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Possible Lineup for Everton:
Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
Prediction: Man City 1-1 Everton
Manchester City should be the favorite in this match, but they are having a very difficult time throughout the season. The defense and midfield are the main concerning areas for Pep Guardiola. Additionally, the Citizens have conceded 25 goals so far in the league. So there is a good chance Everton can hit the champions early in the match.
Moreover, Everton have shown a solid defense against teams like Arsenal and Chelsea. They kept a clean sheet in each of their last three matches in the league.
Betfair Odds
Man City: 1.36
Draw: 5.56
Everton: 8.98
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