Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 23/08/2015
Kick-off: 13:30 (BST)
Everton welcome Premier League giants Manchester City to Goodison Park on Sunday night and the clash will surely prove to be a huge test for the Citizens.
Everton managed to hit back at their doubters with a fine 3-0 victory over Southampton last week and the Toffees will be hoping that such a good result against a tough side away from home can help them kick start their campaign.
While Everton may be in confident mood at the moment, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will most certainly face another stiff challenge when Manchester City pay a visit on Sunday.
City have probably been the most impressive team in the Premier League so far and they will surely be looking to continue their fine run of form following their sensational 3-0 victory over Chelsea.
Everton Team News
Everton manager Roberto Martinez does not have any injury problems to contend with ahead of the clash and there is a strong possibility that he will go with the same lineup which started against Southampton this weekend.
Tim Howard will be starting in goal while the impressive Brendan Galloway looks set to continue in the left back position with Leighton Baines out with injury. The trio of Seamus Coleman, John Stones and Phil Jagielka should complete the back four.
The duo of Gareth Barry and James McCarthy look set to be continuing their partnership at the middle of the park while the attacking trio should consist of Arouna Kone, Ross Barkley and Tom Cleverley, with Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu likely to be introduced from the bench.
Romelu Lukaku grabbed a brace in the previous game against Southampton and he will surely be looking to continue his fine run in front of goal against Manchester City as well.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Galloway, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Barry, Cleverley; Deulofeu, McCarthy, Barkley; Lukaku
Manchester City (Probable XI): Hart; Kolarov, Mangala, Kompany, Sagna; Fernandinho, Toure, Navas, Sterling, Silva; Aguero
Form
Everton: W L L D W
Manchester City: W W W W W
Last Meeting
10/01/2015 Everton 1 – 1 Manchester City
06/12/2014 Manchester City 1 – 0 Everton
Prediction
Pellegrini’s City will be a tough challenge for Everton
Everton do not enjoy the best of records against Manchester City, having failed to record a single victory over the Citizens during their last four encounters.
That said, Everton did run City close last season with a 1-1 draw and Martinez will surely be hoping that his side can replicate such a result once again.
City have a squad filled with stars but the players whom Everton will especially have to be careful about are Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure. Both of the City stars have started off the campaign in brilliant fashion and they will surely be wanting to continue their fine run.
As a result, Everton will need to keep the duo at bay in order to stand a chance of claiming a positive result on the day. Everton are sure to put up a good fight but City look too strong and they should be able to claim the three points.
Everton 1 – 2 Manchester City
