MCI Pre-Match Preview: Manchester City vs Everton

Manchester City will go up against Everton at the Etihad Stadium, the first league match for both clubs, as the international break just ended. Everton are coming off a 2-1 win at home against Crystal Palace, loanee Jack Grealish scored the winner from a penalty kick. The Toffees currently sit at 8th place in the Premier League table with a goal difference of +2. As for Manchester City, they’re coming off a tight win against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. City currently sits at 5th place in the Premier League table with a goal difference of +9.

It’s been quite a while since Everton defeated Manchester City; it last happened back in 2017 when they won 4-0. City hopes to extend that streak to 18 games after the upcoming match. The last time these two teams faced off was last season, back in April, Manchester City won 2-0 with goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic. Things have looked different for Everton since then as they’ve had a buzzing start to the Premier League season, taking points in 5 of their 7 matches. 

Predicted Lineups:

With Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov both not available for this match, the lineup against Everton will have two slight changes to it. Nico Gonzales slots into the defensive midfielder role, and Matheus Nunes will be playing right back. 

As for Everton, Jack Grealish will be unavailable for this match due to loan rules. A positive for City because of how well Grealish has been playing this season, the fanbase wouldn’t have been surprised if he put another one up against us as well. 

Players to Watch:

Erling Haaland, Manchester City

Every opponent has to watch out for this Norwegian scoring machine nowadays; he’s scored a goal in 6 of the 7 Premier League matches this season. Erling Haaland is in an unstoppable form that doesn’t look like it’s stopping anytime soon. Haaland also just won the Premier League Player of the Month award for his unreal play in September. He has scored the most goals this season for Manchester City with nine; the next man up on the list is Phil Foden with two goals.

Iliman Ndiaye, Everton

Iliman Ndiaye has had an impressive start to this Premier League season, scoring 3 goals and assisting a goal in seven matches played. He has been a massive part of why the Toffees have had a solid start in the league this year. It won’t be shocking if we see him being an issue for City’s defense on the pitch, but it may not be enough for him to leave the Etihad Stadium with a win.

Fun Facts:

Prediction:

3-1 City win.

City have been putting together the pieces and look to have established some rhythm as we progress into the season. With Haaland in imperious form, Foden seemingly back at his best, Doku unstoppable, and the addition of Donnarumma at the back, the team looks calmer, more dangerous, and ready to continue quietly mounting a title charge. We expect a comprehensive win. 

Written by: Damien

Edited by: Sheikh