Prediction: Manchester City vs Everton

Verdict: Phil Foden to score anytime

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Hoping to find a route back to the top of the Premier League table, Manchester City will welcome Everton to the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might have found themselves at the heart of a minor rut on either side of November’s international break, Pep Guardiola’s side have come roaring back in some style. Mounting a stellar comeback away at Brentford earlier in the week as they eventually secured a 3-1 victory in west London, the one-time Barcelona boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Knowing that they can climb to the top of the Premier League table this weekend, the Sky Blues have now won all of their previous nine straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on December 12th. Likewise, winning all of their last four showdowns at the Etihad by an aggregate score of 14-1, Man City should be smelling a golden opportunity here.

Team News

With attacking talisman Erling Haaland making his return from a month-long ankle injury, Manchester City have reported a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s showdown. Bagging a stunning hat-trick against Brentford earlier in the week, the red-hot Phil Foden will once again play a leading role at the Etihad.

Left as an unused substitute in west London on Monday night, England international John Stones could make a full return here and replace Ruen Dias in defence. Ex-Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish will be hoping to make a first Premier League start of 2024 this weekend.

Everton

As for the visitors, although Everton might have snatched a dramatic last-gasp point at home against Tottenham last weekend, the Toffees do find themselves battling it out to keep hold of their Premier League status. Hit with a hugely controversial 10-point deduction back in November and with another potential sanction hanging over their head, Sean Dyche has a real job on his hands at Goodison Park. Crashing out of the FA Cup on January 27th following a shock 2-1 defeat at home against Luton, the former Burnley boss is desperate for some welcomed stability. Mustering just a single win from any of their previous 10 straight appearances across all competitions, Everton will be bracing themselves for a heavyweight challenge here. Hit with a 3-1 drumming when they welcomed City to Goodison Park on December 27th, Dyche’s side are rightfully tipped as a landslide underdog.

Team News

Dealing with a recent thigh injury and missing all of Everton’s last four appearances, Abdoulaye Doucoure is not expected to feature on Saturday lunchtime. Also struggling with a knee issue, midfield talisman Amadou Onana is seen as a major doubt here.

Although England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin might have failed to notch a single Premier League strike since the end of October, the 26-year-old will lead Dyche’s charge at the Etihad. Continuing to impress this season, Jarrad Branthwaite will once again partner James Tarkowski at the heart of Everton’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City and Everton met for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 27th, the Sky Blues picked up a 3-1 victory at Goodison Park.
• Guardiola’s men have won all of their previous nine straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to December 12th.
• Man City have won all of their last four appearances at the Etihad by an aggregate score of 14-1.
• Everton have claimed just a single win from any of their previous 10 matchups across all competitions.
• England international Phil Foden has bagged seven goals in his last eight appearances across all formats.

Conclusion

Mounting a stellar comeback away at Brentford earlier in the week as they eventually secured a 3-1 victory, Manchester City will be looking to extend on their purple patch here. Winning all of their previous nine straight appearances across all competitions, the Sky Blues are rightfully tipped as a runaway contender on Saturday lunchtime. Knowing that they can climb to the top of the Premier League table, Guardiola’s men should be smelling a golden opportunity at the Etihad.

Verdict: Phil Foden to score anytime

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: Dachbet