Following the switch between Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table last week there are a couple of interesting fixtures that fans around the world will be keeping an eye on this weekend. The first of these is Manchester City vs Everton, and Guardiola's team will be looking for an instant reaction to their recent defeat against Chelsea.
Current Form
Manchester City
Guardiola's team have started this season in the same way they did last season and have placed themselves as heavy favourites to retain the Premier League title. They currently sit in 2nd place in the league on 41 points, just 1 point behind league leaders Liverpool, and 5 points clear of 3rd placed Tottenham. In their previous 5 games, Manchester City have won 4 and lost just 1 against Chelsea last weekend.
Statistically, it's no surprise that Manchester City have accumulated so many points so far this season. They've scored 45 goals in the league, an average of 2.81 goals per game. Defensively, they've also been impressive having conceded just 9 times, an average of 0.56 goals per game. What you're left with is a high-scoring side that is also defensively solid.
Everton
Everton have been quite impressive so far this season and currently sit in 7th place in the Premier League on 24 points, just 2 points behind 6th placed Manchester United. A push to finish in the European places must be the goal for the Toffees for the rest of the season and getting a result against Manchester City would be huge in that regard. The concern for Everton here is their current form. Over the last 5 fixtures in the league, they've won just 1, drawing 3, and losing 1.
Statistically, Everton have shown why they're in the position they are this season. They're doing fairly well while not being spectacular. The Toffees have scored 23 goals this season, an average of 1.44 goals per game. Defensively, Everton have been pretty good too having conceded 19 goals, an average of 1.19 goals per game.
Head to Head
In the previous 10 fixtures between the clubs Manchester City have won 4, Everton have won 2, and there have been 4 draws. This is surprising since all of these fixtures have occurred since the end of 2014 so Manchester City would have been big favourites in every game. We can perhaps assume that Everton is somewhat of a bogey team for Manchester City.
Analysis
Manchester City
With the home advantage, Manchester City will be expected to go out and show that the Chelsea result was just a blip and that they're back to winning ways. They'll play expansive, creative football and will be hoping that Everton won't be able to deal with it. With Liverpool playing against Manchester United on Sunday, Guardiola will be aware that this is an opportunity to put some pressure on the red half of Merseyside. Of course, that can also be a hindrance and a slip up here could give Liverpool an extra boost to go on and put some more distance between the clubs at the top of the table.
Manchester City will need to put the Chelsea result out of their minds but this shouldn't be too much of an issue for a world-class squad like this. If they manage to assert their dominance on the game they should have enough at their disposal to take all 3 points against Everton here.
Everton
Although Everton have performed quite well so far this season, their recent form is worrying for the blue half of Merseyside. They're heavy outsiders in this fixture and any kind of positive result would be seen as a bonus for the Toffees. Over the last few months, it has become apparent that many teams believe they have lost to Manchester City before a ball is even kicked. They'll sit deep and try to defend but Manchester City have so much quality that they will almost always find a way to score.
The key here is that Chelsea showed last weekend that Manchester City are not invincible, and can be hurt if you go out and play to your strengths rather than trying to nullify their attack. If Everton can take something from that result and go out to make things difficult for Manchester City then there is a small chance that they can get some kind of result. Everton will need to be bold and look to be aggressive in the midfield to put some pressure on Guardiola's team. If they can do that then there will be chances for them in the game and they'll need to hope that their front men are clinical on the day.
Predictions
Although Everton do have what it takes to spoil the party on Saturday, I believe Manchester City may respond well to their defeat last weekend and get the job done here. The outcome of this game will largely depend on how Everton decide to approach it. If they sit back and try to defend then they're likely to be beaten comfortably. However, if they have a go and look to be offensive then opportunities to score will arise.
Prediction: Manchester City win
Score Prediction: Manchester City 3 - 1 Everton
Betting Picks
Draw at 7.50
I think Manchester City are priced so heavily at favourites that the draw could be worth a small punt at these odds.
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