Competition/Round: 2018/19 English Premier League Season – Matchday 17
Date/Time: Manchester City v Everton – Saturday, 15th December 2018, 12:30 (UK & Nigeria);
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Match Officials:
Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistants: Eddie Smart, Richard west
Fourth Official: Paul Tierney
Live Stream: BT Sport Live (UK); NBC Sports Live, Fubo.tv (USA) Fubo.tv shows every Manchester City game with a high-quality and legal stream. New to Fubo.tv? Click here to sign up for a discounted rate.
Radio: BBC Radio Manchester (UK); TalkSport Radio World (USA)
Preview
Manchester City look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season as Everton visit the Etihad Stadium. Victory for the blues will take them back to the top of the table, and a win or draw for United at Anfield will be enough to keep them there.
But they must overcome an indifferent and unpredictable Everton side who have only won once on their travels this season – a 2-1 win at Leicester being their only three points away from Goodison. The blues on the otherhand have a 100% home record that they will look to preserve that record against the Toffees.
But the two teams have drawn their last two matches at City and Everton were one of two teams in the first half of last season to take points off City. The blues are currently unbeaten in eight matches at home to Everton, winning four and drawing four.
Everton’s best away result this season against the top sides came with a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge, but have lost at Arsenal, Liverpool and United, and City will need to work hard and be patient if they are to get the three points.
Team News:
Manchester City have been handed an injury boost in the form of Sergio Aguero, who could return to face Everton after a four-match absence with a groin injury. In addition, Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho, John Stones and Danilo might also be fit to play, but David Silva is still out with a hamstring problem.
Everton’s only doubt is midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who was substituted against Watford on Monday night. Other than that, Manager Marco Silva has a fully-fit squad at his disposal.
Prediction:
The blues eventually overcame Hoffenheim in the Champions League and will need to play much better if they are to beat the Toffees. A tough match could well be in store for the blues, but if Aguero and de Bruyne return, it may be too much for the Toffees.
City 2-0 Everton