Manchester City is set to face Everton on December 26, 2024, as they seek to regain their winning form after struggling through recent fixtures. The match, scheduled to kick off at 15:30 Moscow time, will take place at the Etihad Stadium, where City has historically held the upper hand against the Toffees.
City, currently placed seventh in the Premier League, has experienced significant turbulence, having lost eight of their last eleven matches across all competitions. This run leaves them with only 27 points from 17 fixtures, trailing 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool. Their recent form includes disappointing defeats to Aston Villa (1-2) and Manchester United (1-2), which have compounded the pressure on manager Pep Guardiola. With notable players like Rodri and Ruben Dias sidelined due to injury, City’s squad depth is being tested.
On the flip side, Everton is hovering just above the relegation zone, sitting 16th with 16 points. Despite their lowly position, the Toffees have shown some defensive resilience under manager Sean Dyche. Everton managed to keep clean sheets against both Arsenal and Chelsea recently, both of which ended in 0-0 draws. They will likely adopt a cautious approach against the City side, utilizing counterattacks whenever possible.
Historically, matches between these two teams have favored Manchester City. Since January 2017, Everton has struggled against City, losing twelve out of fourteen Premier League encounters, with only two drawn. The last meeting saw City triumph with a 2-0 victory—a scoreline many analysts predict could repeat itself on Boxing Day.
Betting odds indicate City as clear favorites, with odds of 1.33 for them to win, corresponding to about 73% probability. Meanwhile, Everton’s chances of victory are much slimmer, at odds of 8.50 (approximately 10%). A draw stands at 5.50, or about 17% probability.
Several betting trends indicate a potential low-scoring affair. Over eight of the last ten matches involving Manchester City, the total number of goals has not exceeded three. Also, Everton has not conceded any goals across their last three outings, highlighting their defensive solidity. Bet analysts from various platforms are recommending bets on under 2.5 goals, particularly considering City’s current struggles to find the net.
The predicted lineups suggest City will field players like Ortega, Walker, Foden, and Haaland, who, if on form, could break through Everton’s tight defense. Nevertheless, the team’s inconsistencies raise questions about their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, Everton’s lineup is expected to include goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the back, flanked by Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, and Mykolenko. Midfield will likely feature Gueye, Harrison, and Ducure, supporting forward options Calvert-Lewin and Beto.
Experts anticipate City will press hard for advancement yet might struggle, mirroring their recent performances. The consensus prediction is for City to win, but with more cautious estimates forecasting less than three total goals being scored throughout the match.
Given all factors—the current form of both teams, historical performance, and tactical approaches—the upcoming clash presents itself as more complex than merely City’s expected dominance. This match isn’t just about the teams on the pitch; it’s about who can manage pressure, respond to the moment, and, most critically, finish the opportunities when they come.
Therefore, when it all is said and done, punters might find potential value not only on City's victory but also on various propositions concerning the total goals scored or even corners awarded during the match. Fans can look forward to what promises to be a highly tactical game at the Etihad, where both managers will be eager for positive results.
