Manchester City is desperate to return to winning ways when they welcome Everton to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Amid the festive period, the 2024/25 Premier League season resumes with Gameweek 18, with this match carrying significant importance for both teams.
The reigning champions, Manchester City, hoped to kick off the season with strong performances but have instead struggled. Pep Guardiola’s side has managed only one win over their last 12 matches across all competitions. This dismal stretch has seen them tumble down the Premier League standings, currently sitting at seventh place with Liverpool leading the pack by 12 points.
Conversely, Everton is enjoying renewed confidence, even after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester United earlier this month. Since then, the Toffees have embarked on three unbeaten matches, including draws against both Arsenal and Chelsea, showcasing impressive defensive solidity with clean sheets. Despite these recent improvements, they remain precariously positioned just above the relegation zone.
Their head-to-head record against City, though, presents challenges. City is undefeated against Everton since 2017 and has won 13 out of their last 15 encounters. The last meeting ended with City taking the win 2-0, thanks to Erling Haaland’s brace.
Team news sees City coping with injury woes as several first-team players might miss the clash. Key players like Ederson Moraes, John Stones, and Rodri are sidelined, with Ederson facing late fitness tests. Relying on their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, City may field Stefan Ortega as goalkeeper if Ederson is unfit, with notable players Kevin De Bruyne and Haaland leading the attack.
On the other hand, Everton manager Sean Dyche faces his own selection issues, having to cope without Ashley Young, who is suspended. He must also navigate the absence of James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam due to injuries. Everton seems likely to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, hoping to leverage their recent defensive prowess.
Looking at key statistics, City has had the upper hand traditionally, but they have recently struggled. They've only secured four points since November, and their last win came against Nottingham Forest on December 4, raising questions over their title credentials.
For Everton, keeping more clean sheets than any other team in the top five leagues since October highlights their resilience, yet they’ve experienced the lowest shot conversion rate, struggling to breach opposing defenses. It’s evident they will need to transform their offensive output to secure points at the Etihad.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be the player to watch for Everton, tasked with shaking off his goal drought as he leads the line against City’s defense. His ability to find the net again will be pivotal as Everton aims to return home with positive results.
Expectations for the match could lead to predictability, with both teams likely to play conservatively. Betting predictions favor Manchester City to win, yet Everton's solid defensive structure poses challenges. Contrary predictions suggest this match could end either as a low-scoring draw or even surprise with Everton at least putting up stiff resistance.
The anticipation mounts as this match promises to be significant not just for their league standings but also for morale as both squads look to turn the tide on the season’s challenges.
