Everton play hosts to the impeccable Manchester City on Wednesday at Goodison Park, wishing to regain their momentum yet again in the Premier League.
Everton will be raring to end their inconsistent run in the Premier League, as they face an unstoppable Manchester City side in a rescheduled fixture on Wednesday evening at Goodison Park.
The Toffees faced a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Fulham in their own backyard this past weekend and remain seventh in the league table. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be looking forward to re-establish their authority yet again, as this heavyweight fixture could play a major factor in rest of the season.
On the other hand, Manchester City have been thoroughly enjoying an enthralling run in their league, as their sumptuous performance against Tottenham allowed the Cityens to grab another crucial victory in their title hunt. Pep Guardiola & co. would want to strengthen their grip at the top of the table and further extend their lead.
In the reverse fixture, played at Elland Road back in January, Manchester City outclassed Carlo Ancelotti’s men by 2-1, with goals coming from Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, as Richarlison was the sole scorer for The Merseyside team. Ahead of the latest clash, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both sides.
Team News & Tactics
Everton
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti will be going to this game with doubts over the availability of his No. 1 goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who is recovering from a rib injury. Jean-Philippe Gbamin will not be available for the game either. However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to be at the manager’s disposal when Manchester City come visiting.
The Italian manager will set his team in this crucial tie in 4-2-3-1 formation, as he would want to hit the opposition with a counter-attacking approach. Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen has to be the face once again between the sticks, and in front of him, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate will form the centre-back pair to bring stability.
Lucas Digne will be the familiar face on the left side of the defensive line, as his pace would be vital to create uncomfortable scenarios for the visitors. On the other side of the backline, Seamus Coleman could be the figure to hold the defensive unit in composed order to keep the opponents at bay.
Abdoulaye Doucoure will form the doubt pivot structure with the Englishman Tom Davis, as both midfielders will be tasked with cutting off the threats in the midfield region. Gylfi Sigurdsson could relish the number 10 role in such a significant tie, as his experience could be crucial in attack for the Merseyside team.
James Rodriguez remains a doubt for this clash, as he suffered a blow in his last game against Fulham. But his availability could play a vital role in his manager’s scheme, as his creativity upfront could make a huge difference.
Brazilian forward Richarlison will be stationed on the left flank from where he will look to cause problems to the visitors’ defence. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be the final piece of the puzzle for the hosts, starting as the No. 9.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Olsen; Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Digne; Doucoure, Davis; Rodriguez, Sigurdsson, Richarlison; Calvert-Lewin
Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss this event, as he still needs a few days to be match-fit. Nathan Ake will be another face, who will not be able to present himself in the first eleven due to muscle injury. But Manchester City boss should be a relieved man, as the starlet Sergio Aguero is back in the training sessions after a lengthy absence.
Ilkay Gundogan is a doubt for this tie, but he could start in midfield, as the injury in the last outing seemed mild. But veteran midfielder Fernandinho should remain unavailable as he recovers from a niggle.
? on the training pitch! ? @DeBruyneKev
? #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/hNEPiOWE0a
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 16, 2021
Manchester City are likely to dominate proceedings, as their intentions will be pretty much clear from the first whistle. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson Moraes will be the starter between the sticks, while Portuguese centre-back Ruben Dias and John Stones should form the central defensive pair to ensure stability in the back.
Joao Cancelo will be raring to venture through the right-back territory, as his formidable performances have been one of the reasons behind City’s dominance. On the other end, 24-year-old Oleksandr Zinchenko would desire to maintain his promising run, as his mobility through the left channel, could become essential in this fixture.
Bernardo Silva could yet again play a pivotal part in the midfield territory, as his ability to pull the strings will be an asset for his manager. Rodri should hold down the fort in central midfield, as his ability to dictate games from that position has been painting an immense portrait; and along with them, Gundogan should be the final piece to set the tone in the middle of the park.
Raheem Sterling could feature in the right-wing position, as his pace and agility need to be at their finest note. The Phil Foden will try to wreak havoc from the left side of the attacking unit, and spearheading the attack for the visitors will be the Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko; Silva, Rodri, Gundogan; Sterling, Jesus, Foden
Key Stats
- In their last 22 meetings across all competitions, Manchester City have won the most affairs (11), while Everton have managed to win just 6.
- Everton have grabbed just one win out of their last five Premier League fixtures (D2 L2). On the other hand, after their draw against West Bromwich Albion back in December, Manchester City have snatched all possible points in their league games.
- Carlo Ancelotti’s men just have 4 victories out of 11 home fixtures this season (L2 D5). Meanwhile, the Cityzens have gathered 24 points out of possible 33 in their away fixtures this term (W7 D3 L1).
- Across all competitions, Manchester City have won their last 16 games.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored 13 goals in this league campaign, with only Mohamed Salah (17) and Bruno Fernandes (14) scoring more.
Player to Watch
Ilkay Gundogan
? @ManCity’s Ilkay Gundogan has scored 11 goals in his last 12 #PL matches, as many as in his previous 86 appearances in the competition#EVEMCI pic.twitter.com/m8Wsy6VziP
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 17, 2021
The German midfielder has been showcasing his influential form since the injury to Kevin De Bruyne. With 11 goals and 2 assists in 18 appearances in the league, Gundogan has been a major driving force behind Manchester City’s recent unstoppable run of form.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has displayed a natural killer instinct in front of goal and his clinical nature has added another dimension to Manchester City’s attacking play. At the same time, he remains diligent in his defensive duties and has that ability to create openings as well, making him a vital cog on the field for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Prediction
Everton 1-3 Manchester City
Everton are in the midst of an inconsistent run, winning just two of their last six games in all competitions. Meanwhile, Manchester City are seemingly flying away with the title with their eye-boggling firepower. And Pep Guardiola’s men could once again showcase an exhibition of their superiority at Goodison Park. The Hard Tackle is predicting Pep Guardiola’s men to batter the hosts with a dominant scoreline of 3-1.
