3 minute read

Manchester City will be looking to go top of the Premier League table for at least a couple of hours when they host a struggling Everton side at the Etihad this Saturday lunchtime.

Surprise, surprise. Man City are beginning to tighten the screw as we approach the final 15 games of the Premier League season. Who saw that one coming?

Pep Guardiola and his men gave us all a false sense of security when they dropped nine points from four games towards the end of 2023. Since then, City have been rampant.

The Citizens last lost a competitive fixture back in December against Aston Villa. In the 12 fixtures which have followed, City have picked up 11 victories.

With Guardiola's men flying, there is a sense that Liverpool and Arsenal are shaking in their boots. They know that a single slip-up could hand City the all-important initiative.

Question is, can Everton halt City's progress? If we're being honest, there's more chance of the UK sending a decent song for Eurovision. If you heard our latest pick, you'll know what I mean.

The Toffees have picked up just one win from their last 10 matches across all competitions and scored just two goals from their last four Premier League outings.

Everton are winless in 13 visits to the Etihad and we're expecting that run to continue.

Man City to win the match with a -1 handicap is the way to go. The hosts to win the match to nil is another enticing proposition in the betting market.

City danger men Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne are set to start their first home game together this season.

De Bruyne has missed most of the season with a hamstring injury, while Haaland is only two games into his comeback from a foot problem.

Guardiola has previously said he does not necessarily think City will play any better with the pair back in tandem but is convinced they will win more matches.

He said: "It's simple. They are players that win games by themselves.

"When one player scores 60 goals, it helps you to win games. When you play with a player that makes a thousand million assists and goals, it helps you to win games.

"You don't have to study at Harvard or Yale to understand that."

Man City -1 Handicap
Man City to win to nil
Everton most bookings