Everton travel to Manchester City on Sunday
The toughest test awaits Everton as they take a trip to Manchester to face Pep Guardiola’s gladiators on Sunday. Rafa Benitez’s troops sit in the bottom half of the Premier League with 15 points in 11 games.
As for the mighty Manchester City, they are eyeing the summit of English football for the fourth time in five years but have increased competition at the top as Chelsea and Liverpool continue to battle hard.
On paper, Guardiola’s side should breeze past this Everton side who are limping with injuries to key players. The difference in quality and depth is substantial and the odds are heavily stacked against Everton. It would take a tactical master class from Benitez if the Toffees are to secure a positive result against the trailblazing Manchester City.
To further add challenges for Benitez, he’ll be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies. Mason Holgate was shown a red card in the last game against Spurs meaning he’ll also miss the trip to Manchester. The depth in midfield is quite slim and even though Benitez will be able to put a fairly decent starting lineup, his options off the bench remain limited.
Everton predicted lineup vs Manchester City
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford is having a steady campaign so far and has not been at the end of blunders that has cost the Toffees points. There has been a substantial improvement in his form and confidence, thanks to a stellar campaign at the EURO 2020. There has been some talk on the transfer street regarding Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Pickford and if Everton are willing to sell him next summer, they’ll be hoping he has a sound campaign between the sticks which could bump up his market value.
The England No.1 could have a busy afternoon in Manchester as the relentless City side attack and test Pickford at any available opportunity. Keeping a clean sheet looks like an impossible task but could only be achieved if the Merseysiders remain defensively sound throughout the game.