Build up to the match
When it comes to activity in the transfer market, nobody did more business than these two sides. Manchester City and Everton have spent a combined £332-million during the summer to assemble a squad worthy of their high standards, with the Citizens reeling in five new players and Everton with seven. With both clubs having spent heavily in the past month, it is now time for them to prove if their summer business has been worth it.
Match Information
Kickoff: Monday, 21 August 2017, 08:00PM England time
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Team News
Manchester City boast an injury-free squad, though intelligent midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and utility man Benjamin Mendy may not be available due to fitness concerns.
Everton have a host of injuries to deal with, with midfielders James McCarthy and Ross Barkley as well as veteran Seamus Coleman all sidelined. Forwards Yannick Bolasie and Ramiro Funes Mori are also out with injuries and striker Sandro remains doubtful.
Form
Manchester City
L-W-W-W-W (in all competitions)
Manchester City did well during their pre-season friendlies, besting the likes of Real Madrid and Tottenham. Their 2-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion also showed to the world their squad is starting to gel under Pep Guardiola. They did, however, suffered an inconsequential but nonetheless embarrassing 1-0 loss against Girona midweek in a friendly and would love to make sure that loss doesn’t affect their performance against Everton.
Everton
W-W-D-W-W (in all competitions)
Qualifying for the Europa League qualifying rounds meant Everton had been busy for much of the summer, engaging in competitive matches before the Premier League season even began. And yet, it appears the Toffees are finding the extra matches a breeze to handle, as they are undefeated in their last five outings, and would hope they continue their fine form against City on Monday.
Trivia and Stats
Manchester City have won in their last 5 Premier League games.
Manchester City are undefeated in their last 12 home games in the league.
Sergio Aguero is on the brink to become the Premier League’s record all-time non-European highest goalscorer if he scores against Everton on Monday
Wayne Rooney needs just one more goal to reach 200 in the Premier League. So far, only Alan Shearer has managed to reach this feat.
Everton’s biggest Premier League win was against Manchester City last season, winning 4-0 at Goodison Park.
Match Prediction
It’s early days in the League, but City appear primed and ready to take on Everton at the Etihad. The Toffees will definitely put up a valiant effort but their travels to during the midweek in the Europa League may well come to haunt them in this game.
Manchester City 2-1 Everton