Everton will be looking to extend their newfound mojo in the festive season after a Boxing Day win as they host Manchester City. The match schedules for Monday at Goodison Park with kickoff at 11 pm.
The Toffees will be coming off a hard-fought 1-0 win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, while Manchester City with a 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday.
Despite edging out of the EFL Cup after a 2-0 loss to Manchester United, Everton went into the Boxing Day clash with Sheffield United on the back of three successive league victories inclusive of a memorable 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled against Sheffield United’s side without a win so far in the Premier League. However, Sigurdsson popped up with a winner in the 80th minute to hand the Toffees their four consecutive wins in the league.
The win saw the hosts move second in the table with Meyerside rivals Liverpool two points ahead before they face West Brom. The side leapfrogged with Manchester United and Leicester dropping points during the weekend.
In contrast, City took another stride in their quest to pick up their fourth straight win in the EFL Cup with a dominant win at Arsenal in midweek. The Citizens are currently out of the top four with one point behind Manchester United and two below Leicester.
Everton vs. Manchester City Head to Head
Both sides have 31 games against each other, with Everton taking home 12 wins while Manchester City with 13 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Sheffield United 0-1 Everton
Everton 0-2 Manchester United
Everton 2-1 Arsenal
Leicester City 0-2 Everton
Everton 1-0 Chelsea
Away
Manchester City 0-2 Newcastle
Arsenal 1-4 Manchester City
Southampton 0-1 Man City
Man United 0-0 Man City
Man City 3-0 Marseille
Everton Team News
Richarlison is not cleared to take part in this match due to concussion protocols, while James Rodriguez will not be available just yet. Anthony Gordon is likely to drop out of the starting XIfor Bernard.
Manchester City Team News
On Christmas, City announced that Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus contracted coronavirus and remain in self-isolation. Eric Garcia is another absentee who paves the way for John Stones in the starting XI. Sergio Aguero is in line to make a comeback at the heart of the attack.
Prediction and Odds
Everton presents a tougher test for Pep compared to previous seasons, with scoring goals a problem for City.
Correct Score: 1-2
Manchester City Win
Goals Under 3.5
