Game Week 18 Predictions: City to finally win against Everton

Manchester City faces Everton in crisis mode, with Guardiola's side struggling to find form, while Everton aims to capitalize on City's woes.

Manchester City needs a win even if they will buy it, will they find joy against the Toffees at the Etihad? (Photo credit: Opta)

Manchester City vs Everton.

Etihad Stadium

1:30 pm

From a blip to slips to a full-blown crisis, and now, it’s SOS time at the Etihad; just one win in twelve is nothing but relegation form. This isn’t the stat of Sheffield or Luton Town; this is the tale of Manchester City.

From having to battle lawsuits of up to 115 charges, primarily on financial law breaches, to losing Rodri in midfield and now, nine losses in twelve games, it’s beyond embarrassing for Pep Guardiola now; it’s a clear disaster in broad daylight under his watch.

Everton is in a favourable place; two back-to-back draws against Arsenal and Chelsea, two high-scoring sides, failed to get beyond Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal. Their defence is ticking, and while they struggle upfront for goals, they’re defending their way to survival.

With a game against Liverpool at Goodison Park, Everton is four points clear of the relegation zone. It’s a huge opportunity for Everton to do what they haven’t been able to do under Dyche, which is to beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Manchester City and Everton have both only won once in their respective last five games; however, Everton has only one loss in that run while the champions have three, leaving Guardiola’s side in 7th on the log and four points off the top four.

The return of Matteo Kovacic could stabilise things in midfield for Guardiola, but his overreliance on Ilkay Gundogan and Rico Lewis means we don’t know which City side will turn up. With De Bruyne fully rested against Villa, he might need the big Belgian for Everton’s expected low block.

Everton will once again depend on their reliable back four, led by James Tarkowski and the return to fitness of Jarrod Branthwaite. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye will need to exert their utmost effort to shield the back four.

Erling Haaland has only one goal in the league since scoring against Arsenal; he is under pressure to return to scoring ways, and this fixture looks like one he needs to fix up. Will he score again after a long and unusual drought?

Ashley Young will sit this one out after bagging five yellow cards so far; Oscar Bobb is expected to feature soon for the champions, but Guardiola didn’t confirm if this one comes too soon for him. This should be enjoyable to watch.

Verdict: Manchester City to win.