Written by @Chadley_N for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Everton vs Manchester City | Saturday 03 May | Goodison Park | 18:30
A crucial match in the English Premier League this weekend sees free-scoring Manchester City take on a wounded Everton side at Goodison Park. Roberto Martinez’s men will be looking to get back to winning ways after two consecutive losses dented their chances of making the cut for Europe’s elite, while a win for Manuel Pellegrini’s side will take them a step closer to clinching the Premier League title in the Chilean’s first year at the helm.
To Win (90mins)
Everton 39/10
Draw 26/10
Manchester City 7/10
Everton
Everton’s top-four hopes suffered a major blow after a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Southampton last Saturday. Two own goals in the first half from defenders Antolin Alcaraz and Seamus Coleman gifted the Saints all three points, Everton missing the chance to climb above Arsenal into fourth spot. Roberto Martinez’s side were well below their best and the result leaves Everton hoping for favours from other sides if they are to finish in the top four and claim a place in the Champions League next season. A tough test awaits Martinez as his side stand in the way of a lethal Manchester City, out to claim the title stolen from them by the red half of Manchester last season. Everton will be relying on their impressive home form to overcome Pellegrini’s side. The Toffees have played eighteen matches on their turf and suffered only two defeats this season.
Martinez’s men have scored an impressive 36 goals, while conceding sixteen. John Stones has been a revelation since stepping in for the injured Phil Jagielka. Very strong defensively, he will be tasked with keeping Sergio Aguero quiet. Not an easy task. Few would have predicted Steven Naismith’s rise to prominence over the last month, but the former Rangers man has formed part of an impressive three-prong attack alongside Belgians Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku. With three goals in the last month, he has gone from a support role to a vital part of Everton’s impressive run. Everton will be sweating on the fitness of Leighton Baines. The English left back suffered an injury in his side’s defeat to Southampton. Baines has been one of the most influential players in the English Premier League this season and will be a huge blow if ruled out. Jagielka (hamstring) is nearing a return for the hosts but may not be quite ready in time for Saturday’s match, and Steven Pienaar, Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone (all knee) as well as Bryan Oviedo (broken leg), Mirallas (groin) and loanee Lacina Traore (hamstring) will all miss out.
Manchester City
Manchester City capitalised on Liverpool’s defeat by Chelsea to move within three points of the Premier League leaders with a comfortable victory at Selhurst Park. Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure both scored in the first half to end Palace’s five-game winning streak and earn victory for the visitors. It wasn’t a classic at Selhurst Park, but City fans won’t care as their team claimed a vital three points which moves them into pole position in the title race, based on goal difference and possible points. Manchester City’s away form has been inconsistent this season, having played eighteen matches and only winning nine. They’ve claimed just eight points from their last five Premier League away games and will need to be at their best to get maximum points against the Toffees.
After a disappointing campaign last year, Samir Nasri has emerged as one of Manchester City’s best players this season under Pellegrini. He offers a threat in the final third as he has the ability to score goals and create opportunities for his team-mates. He has created 66 chances, which is a chance created every 33 minutes. That is up there with the most creative players in the division. He has five assists to his name, while he has also contributed six goals himself. He will cause the Evertonian defence plenty of problems this weekend as he drifts between the lines which may cause the opposition to leave space unattended. David Silva is set to be out for two weeks with an ankle injury sustained in the club’s 3-1 home win over West Brom.
VERDICT: Manchester City 7/10
Manchester City find themselves back as favourites in the title race with three games remaining. Despite City’s inconsistency on their travels, they will not want any more slip ups to sabotage their title hopes. Everton are no pushovers but City should rise to the occasion and see off their opponents by claiming maximum points to take them a step closer to be crowned champions. Back Pellegrini’s men to reign supreme.
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