Manchester City will be seeking revenge for their nasty 4-0 defeat during the last campaign when they host Everton in the first home match at the Etihad Stadium this season. The Sky Blues shrugged off the challenge of Brighton & Hove Albion pretty comfortably but Pep Guardiola’s side would have to deal with a much improved Everton this time.
The 2-0 scoreline in the last match doesn’t paint the full picture as they had to wait until the 70th minute to get the much-needed breakthrough.
Everton have undergone a complete overhaul and with new signings, they have enough resources on their side to give City a dose of their own medicine.
Predicted 3-1-4-2 Manchester City Lineup against Everton
Defence
Ederson didn’t have much to deal with in the last match as the Brighton attack proved to be too easy to handle for the City defence. His major test will be against a jubilant Toffees attack which consists of Wayne Rooney, Sandro Ramirez and the latest acquisition Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Guardiola is set to continue with his three man backline in this game too. Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi will have taken confidence from their clean sheet against the Seagulls but have to be on their toes to nullify the Toffees attack.
Midfield
Fernandinho will be stationed just in front of the backline to shield the backline. The key factor of this encounter lies in the midfield battle and whoever covers the ground most is expected to have an edge over their opposition.
Guardiola is expected to pick a pretty much similar lineup for this match and Silva will be partnered by Kevin de Bruyne in the attacking midfield.
The Belgian’s greatest strength is his vision and his set-piece skills also come into optimum use whenever it is needed.
Danilo will be looking to demonstrate his calibre and his pace and attacking abilities will be facing a stern test in this match. With Sergio Aguero’s presence in the team, his dangerous crosses could become very vital.
Kyle Walker will have another chance to impress his manager. The attacking wingback is likely to improve his team’s chances with his darting runs on the flanks.
Attack
There has been confusion over Aguero’s role in the side after the arrival of Gabriel Jesus but the Spanish gaffer has made a tactical switch to fit in both the players and they will have the chance to build on the potential displayed by them in the last season.
