Premier League: Everton and City Searching For Perfect Year-Ender

Everton vs Manchester City

Manchester City aim to push themselves back in the thick of the Premier League title race as they visit Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night.

Pep Guardiola’s men are eighth in the English top-flight standings with 23 points as of this writing, but they can enter into the top four should they continue their undefeated run in December.

Since their loss to Tottenham in late November, the Sky Blues are slowly getting back on their feet by going undefeated in the last five games.

However, extending their unbeaten run will be much easier said than done as they will face an Everton team who are yet to be defeated too in the Premier League – with three straight victories off the bounce.

The Toffees are fourth at the table as of this writing since they have 26 points and they are level with Manchester United, to whom they just lost to during the Carabao Cup quarterfinals on Christmas Eve.

Similar to other teams, Everton and Manchester City have business to take care off prior to this fixture.

Everton have a winnable game versus Sheffield United, while Manchester City host Newcastle United tomorrow.

Here at SBOTOP, we look ahead to this clash between these clubs.

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Premier League

Talking points

Everton’s injury list have yet to ease down

The Toffees suffered a setback when they lost to the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup, and they are eager to build on their strong form here in the Premier League.

Prior to bowing out in the quarterfinals, Everton gathered good Premier League 2020 results since November – with impressive wins over the likes of Chelsea, Leicester City and Arsenal.

That run is impressive considering they’ve had their share of injury woes this term, and team manager Carlo Ancelotti should get a ton of credit.

He steered the squad to fourth place in the standings and they are within striking distance for the top spot.

Lucas Digne, James Rodriguez, Fabian Delph, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, and Allan are all still nursing their respective injuries. And unfortunately, another key name will be added to the list.

Richarlison aims to help Everton get a Premier League year-ending win for Everton — Richarlison in action against Leeds United

Richarlison is doubtful to play because of the head injury he suffered in the last time out, when the Brazilian striker’s head accidentally hit Eric Bailly’s hip.

Carlo Ancelotti bared to the media that Richarlison is doing well, but they will exercise caution in putting him out there too early.

Manchester City are not done yet

At this point of the season, the Premier League trophy is still up for grabs and Manchester City will look to re-assert their title credentials.

The Sky Blues have been uncharacteristically inconsistent early on as they have already dropped a lot of points particularly in games that they should’ve won.

They recently advanced to the semifinals of the Carabao Cup with a thumping win over Arsenal and that may prove to be a pivotal point for them.

However, their lineup depth will take a hit since striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Kyle Walker are confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus and they will sit out a couple of matches.

Ferran Torres will most likely get the nod to lead out front, while Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias should be ready as well since they will be rested versus Newcastle.

History

Since the turn of the century, Everton and Manchester City have locked horns in 40 fixtures.

The Sky Blues own the slight advantage in the head-to-head with 17 victories, whereas the Toffees won in 15 matches along with eight draws.

Manchester City have gotten the better out of Everton in recent years, winning five straight games.

Everton’s last win over the Sky Blues dates back to January 2017 in a convincing tally of 4-0 at home.

Betting Tip

	Everton vs Manchester City	Manchester City Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.99
	December 29, 04:00 (GMT+8)

It’s no secret that Manchester City are the heavy favourites on this one as they are favoured by the latest Premier League 2020 odds.

Manchester City are expected to win at 1.57, while Everton are pegged at 5.40 and a draw is at 4.00 in the 1X2 market.

This has the makings to be a healthy scoring bout given their recent history, so going for Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.88 or Over 2.50 @ 2.36 are plausible alternatives too.

While the Sky Blues are heavily favoured in this matchup, it would be unwise to count out Carlo Ancelotti and co. easily as they can make their visitors uncomfortable at home.

But with Pep Guardiola having a deeper and better side, they should be able to come away victorious in what should be a fun matchup on Monday evening.