Manchester City host Everton on Boxing Day in a Premier League clash that is crucial for both sides. The reigning champions are in dire need of a win to halt their disastrous form, while Everton will aim to build on two impressive draws against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola’s side has plummeted to seventh in the table after a string of poor results, while Sean Dyche’s Everton sit four points clear of the relegation zone, thanks to their recent defensive resilience.
Here’s a detailed preview of the matchup.
Match Details
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
- Date: Thursday, December 26, 2024
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 GMT / 07:30 ET / 04:30 PT
- Referee: Simon Hooper
- VAR: Alex Chilowicz
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
- Man City Wins: 4
- Everton Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
- Last Meeting: Man City 2-0 Everton (February 10, 2024 – Premier League)
Current Form
Manchester City (Last 5 Matches)
- Aston Villa 2-1 Man City (December 21) – Premier League
- Man City 1-2 Man Utd (December 15) – Premier League
- Juventus 2-0 Man City (December 11) – Champions League
- Crystal Palace 2-2 Man City (December 7) – Premier League
- Man City 3-0 Nottingham Forest (December 4) – Premier League
Key Stat: City have won just one of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
Everton (Last 5 Matches)
- Everton 0-0 Chelsea (December 22) – Premier League
- Arsenal 0-0 Everton (December 14) – Premier League
- Everton 4-0 Wolves (December 4) – Premier League
- Man Utd 4-0 Everton (December 1) – Premier League
- Everton 0-0 Brentford (November 23) – Premier League
Key Stat: Everton have kept clean sheets in their last two games against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Team News
Manchester City
City’s injury crisis continues to hamper their performances.
- Out: Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias (muscle injury).
- Doubtful: Ederson (leg injury), John Stones (foot injury).
- Return: Matheus Nunes could be back in the squad after missing the Villa game.
Predicted Lineup (3-2-4-1):
GK: Ortega
DEF: Walker, Akanji, Ake
MID: Lewis, Kovacic
ATT: Savinho, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku
ST: Haaland
Everton
Sean Dyche will be without several key players:
- Out: Dwight McNeil (knee injury), James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam.
- Suspended: Ashley Young (yellow card accumulation).
- Return: Armando Broja is available from the bench after being ineligible to face Chelsea.
Predicted Lineup (4-4-1-1):
GK: Pickford
DEF: Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko
MID: Harrison, Gueye, Mangala, Ndiaye
CAM: Doucoure
ST: Calvert-Lewin
Match Analysis
Manchester City’s Approach
City’s struggles stem from both ends of the pitch. Defensively, they’ve been vulnerable without Ruben Dias and Rodri, while their attack has lacked creativity and precision. Kevin De Bruyne’s inclusion is crucial, as his vision and passing could help break down Everton’s low block.
Everton’s Approach
Everton will aim to frustrate City with their disciplined defensive setup, as they successfully did against Arsenal and Chelsea. Dyche’s side will rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s physicality and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s energy to create chances on the counter.
Prediction
Manchester City’s poor form and injury woes make this a tricky fixture, but their quality and home advantage might just be enough to edge past Everton’s stubborn defense. Expect a tight, low-scoring affair.
Predicted Score: Manchester City 1-0 Everton
Key Players to Watch
- Man City: Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian playmaker’s creativity will be vital in breaking down Everton’s defense.
- Everton: Jordan Pickford – The goalkeeper will need to be at his best to keep City’s attack at bay.
FAQs
- Why is Ruben Dias unavailable for Man City?
Dias is sidelined with a muscle injury and is not expected to return until mid-January. - What is Everton’s recent form like?
Everton have kept clean sheets in their last two matches against Arsenal and Chelsea, showcasing defensive resilience. - Will Erling Haaland start for Man City?
Yes, Haaland is expected to lead the line despite his recent struggles in front of goal. - What is the predicted scoreline?
A 1-0 win for Manchester City in a tightly contested match. - Who is the referee for this game?
Simon Hooper will officiate the match, with Alex Chilowicz serving as the VAR official.
