Everton vs Manchester City Predictions

• Everton are unbeaten in five Premier League matches.
• Manchester City have only won two of their last six league away games.
• Manchester City have drawn five times this season, with four of them ending 1-1.

Toffees hit their stride in December

Everton moved up to second with a hard-fought win over the dreadful Sheffield United on Boxing Day, with a late winner coming courtesy of Gylfi Sigurdsson and extending the Toffees’ winning streak to four matches in the Premier League.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are just two points shy of arch rivals Liverpool and head into this crucial clash unbeaten in five matches. The November downturn that saw them win just once in a period of five matches is well and truly behind them now.

Citizens showing signs of improvement

Manchester City are finding their feet after a disappointing start to the season though. They put in another composed and efficient display against Newcastle on Saturday, winning 2-0 to make it six league games without defeat.

This pushes the Citizens up to 5th in the table and five points adrift of Liverpool at the top, but there is no denying that this isn’t the same Manchester City as we have seen over the last few seasons.

They have won only half their league games this term, and that record gets even worse away from home. On the road, Pep Guardiola’s side have won only two of their last six Premier League games, and both of those were narrow 1-0 triumphs over Southampton and bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United.

Everton to extend unbeaten run

Everton have only lost two of their seven home league games this season and have picked up points against Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, so backing the Toffees to get something looks very good value.

We are expecting a draw though. Manchester City have played out two 1-1 draws away from home this season and have drawn five of their 14 matches so far, so we’re backing that for our correct score prediction.

Everton injuries and team news

There are no fresh injury problems for Everton, but they do remain without Lucas Digne, Fabian Delph, Jean Gbamin, Allan and Richarlison.

Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to make many changes from the side that beat Sheffield United on Boxing Day, although Bernard could push for a start on the left flank.

Manchester City injuries and team news

Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker are both ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19 on Christmas Day, while Eric Garcia is still out injured.

Joao Cancelo could move into right back in Walker’s absence and allow Benjamin Mendy a start, while Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Sergio Aguero could all return to the starting lineup.