Everton vs Manchester City Preview

• City to win
• Both teams to score

Moyes’ Merseyside momentum builds

David Moyes’ return to the Everton dugout has sparked a revival that many didn’t see coming. A dramatic late winner at Nottingham Forest last weekend saw the Toffees clinch a 1-0 victory, extending their impressive run under the veteran manager to just two defeats in 13 Premier League games (W5, D6). With 21 points collected in that time, only five teams have performed better across the same span – a sign that Everton have regained their bite and belief.

This test will certainly be one of the more difficult since Moyes’ return. Manchester City visit Goodison Park with an intimidating record in this fixture, having not lost to the Toffees in any of the last 15 Premier League meetings (W12, D3) since a memorable 4-0 defeat during Guardiola’s debut campaign in 2016/17. However, Everton’s six-match unbeaten run at home in the league (W2, D4) should provide some encouragement that they can cause an upset.

With a new-found defensive stability and late-match resilience, Everton will hope to make life uncomfortable for a City side who’ve struggled on their travels of late. Moyes’ side have scored just once fewer than City in their past six Premier League outings, highlighting how the gap between the two might be closing – at least in the short term.

City chasing consistency on the road

Manchester City remain in the thick of the Champions League qualification race, and after last weekend’s 5-2 demolition of Crystal Palace, the champions are unbeaten in five across all competitions (W3, D2). That emphatic performance at the Etihad saw them climb into the fifth spot – the final position that will grant access to UEFA’s top club competition next season.

But while things look smooth at home, Guardiola’s side have been curiously blunt in attack on the road. They’ve scored just twice across their last four away Premier League matches, drawing blanks in both of their most recent trips (0-0 vs Man Utd, 0-1 vs Liverpool). Should they fail to find the net again here, it would mark their worst away scoring run in the league since 2015.

Guardiola may feel confident about their overall H2H form, but he’ll know full well that Everton are a more disciplined unit under Moyes, and City can’t afford any more slip-ups if they’re to finish in the top three – especially with key fixtures on the horizon.

Tactical snapshot: Midfield engine rooms set the tone

Everton will likely be compact and physical in midfield, with the in-form Abdoulaye Doucouré tasked with breaking up play and driving forward in transitions. City, as ever, will lean on the intelligence and creativity of Kevin De Bruyne to unlock what is likely to be a stubborn and deep Everton defence.

The Toffees have shown an increased ability to frustrate more possession-dominant teams under Moyes, as evidenced by their results against Forest, Spurs, and Fulham, but City’s ability to shift momentum quickly could test their concentration across the 90 minutes.

Players to watch

Abdoulaye Doucouré (Everton)

The Malian midfielder has rediscovered his scoring touch under Moyes, bagging three goals in his last eight league outings after netting just once in the 36 prior.

His ability to time late runs into the box could prove critical again.

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Arguably the standout City player in recent weeks, De Bruyne has racked up one goal and five assists in his last six Premier League starts.

With this being his last season at the club, he’s determined to go out on a high.

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Everton v Man City, 2024/25 | Premier League