Manchester City will be looking to keep up the momentum of their scintillating start to the season when they take on Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The visitors have opened the new campaign in style, securing a 3-0 win against West Bromwich Albion followed by a dominant defeat of Chelsea by the same scoreline.
Victory at the Hawthorns was expected, not so the home win against the champions, nor the dominance in which City played with. They bossed Jose Mourinho’s side from start to finish, outshooting it by eight and were rewarded with a result which reflected that domination. Any doubts surrounding City’s title credentials appear to have been put to be bed.
Meanwhile, the week building up to this fixture has seen something of a change of fortune for Everton. After a nervous start to the 2015-16 campaign, marked by the opening day 2-2 draw with Watford, fan displeasure grew with the club remaining quiet in the transfer window.
However, an emphatic 3-0 defeat of Southampton at St Mary’s and news of movement in the transfer window have boosted spirits of those connected with the club.
The Toffees put on a master class in counter-attacking football on the South Coast, earmarked by Romelu Lukaku’s brace. On the transfer front, Argentinian defender Ramiro Funes Mori and Ukrainian attacker Andriy Yarmolenko appear headed to Merseyside’s blue half.
Key Battle – Gareth Barry vs Yaya Toure
Whether Everton can stop City powering on will depend on the midfield battle, in particular if stalwart Gareth Barry can keep former teammate Yaya Toure under wraps.
The Ivorian wreaked havoc against West Brom, who allowed him far too much room between the lines. Chelsea did not allow him quite as much time and space, but Toure nevertheless nabbed an assist, teeing up Aguero who opened the scoring on 31 minutes.
Only Barry’s uncompromising best will do against the powerhouse that is Toure; spectators can expect to see a barrage of fouls and the England international’s name in the referee’s notebook.
Team News
Roberto Martinez will have the luxury of selecting the same XI which defeated the Saints last Saturday. However, the gaffer may be tempted to replace Tom Cleverley on the left-flank with a natural wide player. Kevin Mirallas is an option, while workhorse Steven Naismith will be pushing his case.
Everton Expected XI (4-1-4-1): Howard (GK); Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Galloway; Barry; Kone, Barkley, McCarthy, Cleverley; Lukaku.
Like Everton, Manuel Pellegrini’s Citizens will not feel it necessary to tinker with a winning formula after an inspiring fortnight. Relative continuity has been achieved so far, with just one change made to the team named in the West Midlands. Fabian Delph is a minor chance to return from a hamstring injury, but would likely do so from the bench.
City’s depth will be further boosted by the addition of centre-back Nicolas Otamendi.
Manchester City Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Hart (GK); Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; Sterling, Silva, Navas; Aguero.
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Head-to-Head
This fixture sees a near even ledger since their first meeting in 1901. City have claimed 61 wins compared to Everton’s 58, with 41 draws.
Goodison Park has not been a happy hunting ground in recent times for the Citizens. They have won just twice at the 120-year-old stadium since the turn of the century.
Previous Meeting
The last meeting between City and Everton was at Goodison in January. City looked set to claim all three points with Fernando opening the scoring after 74 minutes, only for Naismith to bob up four minutes later and earn a share of the spoils.
Prediction
A contest between two in-form, confident sides looms. City will seek to stamp their authority on proceedings early, but if the Toffees can contain the damage in the final third, they will believe in their ability to hit the visitors on the counter. The opening goal will be priceless.
Everton 1 Manchester City 1
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