Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Gary Neville have talked up the strength that Everton possess at home ahead of their showdown that could have implications at both ends of the table.
The Citizens make the short journey to Goodison Park on Sunday looking to further assert their credentials to retain their Premier League crown. Sean Dyche's side meanwhile tread dangerously close to relegation to the Championship as their status in the English top-flight remains under threat.
Everton travel to Brighton & Hove Albion tonight before hosting Guardiola's stars at Goodison Park. Former Blues midfielder Mikel Arteta will be hoping his old club can do him a favour as they try to chase the powerhouses.
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But both the Spaniard and Sky Sports pundit are in agreement that Everton should not be overlooked. Neville said: "Everton away next weekend for Manchester City. Something could happen, it’s that type of stadium Goodison Park, it’s a bit crazy sometimes."
For the league leaders, their preparations turn to their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid before making the trip to Merseyside. The stakes for the encounter are rising as Everton could provide a twist in the title-race as their opponents could equally damage their aspirations.
And Guardiola warned his players that they can not undermine Dyche's side. He said: "After Madrid we have five days to recover, 1 hour 50 minutes to Goodison and win.
"Every time we win, we're closer to something exceptional. We're not going to drop because we don’t want it. We have to be serious. We have to do it"
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