Team Analysis
Manchester City
Given the poor performance of Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva as wingers in the last match, Pep Guardiola is likely to start with the faster duo of Jeremy Doku and Savinho on the flanks. With Kevin De Bruyne expected to return to the starting lineup, the team's attacking quality is likely to see a significant improvement.
Manchester City have an overwhelming record of 9 wins and 1 draw in the previous 10 encounters against Everton.
Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the last league game on the road and lost 9 of the previous 12 games, a record that dates back to the 2006-07 season. This period of poor form has severely impacted the morale of the Sky Blues. Manager Pep Guardiola appears to be at a loss regarding the team's slump.
Manchester City's Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees, starting center-back Ruben Dias and top goalkeeper Ederson Moraes are unavailable for this match, and Matheus Nunes is not expected to return to the squad for this game.
Manchester City won only one game in nearly two months. They got only 1 win, 2 draws, and 9 losses in the Champions League and the Premier League.
Due to a significant decline in midfield control and the aging of starters, Pep Guardiola's high-pressing tactics have become less effective, with players like Ilkay Gundogan and Rico Lewis consistently making mistakes in midfield. Manchester City conceded 12 goals in the last 6 league games, revealing their flawed defense.
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland failed to score in many games lately, allowing Mohamed Salah to overtake him in the top-scorer standings. This goal drought is closely linked to Manchester City's midfield losing control and creativity. Facing Everton's defensive tactics, breaking the deadlock will be a challenging task.
The AH line has been adjusted from -1.75 to -1.5 for Manchester City, showing a loss of confidence in Man City's declining form. Coupled with Everton's recent draws against Arsenal and Chelsea, it would be a much tougher match for Man City at home.
Everton
Everton kept clean sheets against in-form Arsenal and Chelsea. Coupled with a previous 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., they were unbeaten in 3 league games.
Despite few victories, Everton showed their tenacity lately as they took points from Arsenal and Chelsea. They conceded only 4 goals in the last 6 games.
The over/under for this match is set at a high 3 goals, which seems overly optimistic. Everton managed to draw with strong teams in a row lately, finding ways to cope with strong rivals on defense. Coupled with Manchester City's struggles with fitness and mentality, there won't be too many goals in this match.
Everton's starting winger Dwight McNeil is unavailable for this game, and starting defensive midfielder James Garner is also absent. Besides, young forward Youssef Chermiti and midfielder Tim Iroegbunam are out for a long time.
Everton got only 1 win, 3 draws, and 4 losses in the previous 8 away games this season.
Everton failed to score in the previous 4 away games with poor offense.
With Dwight McNeil injured, Everton only can rely on Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Harrison. Facing Manchester City's high-pressing defense, Everton will struggle to launch effective counterattacks.
Everton's last away victory against Manchester City dates back to 14 years ago, and the last time they kept a clean sheet away from home was 8 years ago.
Tips
Manchester City are currently experiencing a slump and desperately need a big win to rebound.
Following their loss to Aston Villa, Pep Guardiola has indicated a change in the team's tactics.
Both Jeremy Doku and Savinho, who were on the bench in the last round, are likely to start.
With Kevin De Bruyne also in the lineup, Man City's attacking prowess remains formidable.
Everton, on the other hand, have a poor away record and, compared to other teams that have beaten Man City, they lack pace on the flanks and abilities to seize the chance up front.
The AH line has consistently declined their support to the home team, trying to inject more support into the away team due to City's recent struggles.
However, excessive support for the visiting team's heat may lead to an upset.
Therefore, Man City are fancied to secure a big win in this home game.
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