Premier League preview: Manchester City v Everton

The hype leading into the Manchester City-Everton fixture on Monday will be directed at one man – Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine striker is unsettled at Eastlands, and whether or not he is included in Roberto Mancini’s starting 11 could be a decisive factor in City’s fortunes in their quest for the English Premier League title.

Tevez aside, Mancini will be pleased his side finished off their Europa League group stage campaign on top of Group A after drawing 1-1 with Juventus in mid-week.

The Sky Blues are hoping to take that momentum into the clash against Everton, who are down the wrong end of the league table, hovering just two points above the relegation zone.

Star striker Tim Cahill, who has scored eight goals this season, has no doubts about the importance of the three points when the Toffees head to Manchester.

“This is a massive game. We love going to big stadiums and playing big teams like Manchester City. For us we relish the opportunity playing one of the biggest teams in the world at the moment. It is all for us to take,” the Australian told the Liverpool Echo.

“(The Tevez drama) is not anything I am interested in nor are any of the lads. Who knows what the situation really is. I respect the players’ decisions and the best thing for us is to concentrate on our own game.”

Despite Cahill’s regular appearance on the score sheet for Everton, the team has only scored 18 goals in the Premier League this season, and the striker admitted it was a problem.

“It is frustrating as the fans know what we can do and what we can achieve, but if it does not hit the back of the net it means nothing,” Cahill said.

“We are going to fight hard and make sure we are always in the trenches. The main thing is we are training well and our performances have been solid.”

Cahill scored in the corresponding fixture last season in Everton’s 2-0 win at Eastlands in March.