Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Everton vs Manchester City
When: Tuesday 31st January, 2012, at 20:00 UK Time
Where: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
Premier League Surge Needed
Everton have become accustomed to top half finishes in the Premier League, but a spurt will need to be put on to ensure David Moyes’ men really are within touching distance of the elite. This feat is not beyond the Toffees’ reach, with just ten points separating them from sixth-placed Newcastle.
A good run will require more potency in front of goal however, with Everton really struggling to ever blitz teams. Moyes’ men have not managed to find the back of the net more than once in their last ten Premier League games, and although a 2-1 weekend win over Fulham in the FA Cup should imbue some confidence, there is little to suggest Everton’s current crop can answer the call. The club have been scouring the transfer market for strikers, with a whole host of players linked – but it seems unlikely any will arrive in time for this clash.
Defensively though, there is much reason for the Toffees to hope Manchester City can be kept at bay, with the club allowing the least number of shots on target in the Premier League this season. And the Citizens always find breaking down Everton tough – Moyes’ troops have won four of the last six meetings between the two sides.
Rested Up and Ready to Go
Going out of the FA Cup to Manchester United in the Third Round had its benefits for Roberto Mancini’s table-toppers. City have been able to take the weekend off and should come to Goodison Park fresh after their League Cup semi-final disappointment to Liverpool a week ago.
That League Cup loss will only have concentrated minds at Eastlands, with the Citizens desperate to ensure that their Premier League lead is not blown and that the title arrives in May. Beating Everton then, and reversing a run of poor form against the Merseysiders, is crucial. Lose here, and a Manchester United win over Stoke City would see the two clubs once again level on points. The Red Devils have closed the goal difference gap too, which was mammoth when City recorded a 6-1 win over their neighbours earlier in the season – now it is less than ten goals.
A boost for Mancini arrives in the form of skipper Vincent Kompany. The Belgian’s absence was very much felt in the League Cup semi-final legs against Liverpool and he will bring an assured calm to the Citizens backline.
Recent form
Everton:
Aston Villa 1-1 Everton (14/01; Premier League)
Everton 1-1 Blackburn Rovers (21/01; Premier League)
Everton 2-1 Fulham (27/01; FA Cup)
Manchester City:
Wigan 0-1 Manchester City (16/01; Premier League)
Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur (22/01; Premier League)
Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City (25/01; League Cup)
Key absences
Everton: Sylvain Distin; Ross Barkley (doubt); Leon Osman; Jack Rodwell (doubt); Phil Jagielka
Manchester City: None
Players to watch
Everton – Phil Neville: With first-choice defensive duo Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka still unavailable, former Manchester United star Neville’s role will be even more important here. Everton need to be solid and Neville will be a big part of the success, or failure, of that.
Manchester City – Vincent Kompany: Fresh after a spell out through suspension, Kompany will be desperate to make up for lost time and ensure that the Citizens win this. With Everton having enjoyed much success over City in recent years, Kompany’s role in keeping a clean sheet will be vital.
Match Prediction
Everton look to have problems scoring too many goals and against a side as lethal as Manchester City this could prove to be a problem. David Moyes will probably be happy with a draw and will make his side hard to break down. City though should find a way through. Everton 0-2 Manchester City.
The home side have a good record in Everton v Manchester City contests. Could the Toffees win again? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
