Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have both predicted Everton to lose when they welcome Manchester City to Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
Everton shocked many when they came away from Brighton & Hove Albion's Amex Stadium with three points and a 5-1 victory on Monday to move out of the relegation zone in the Premier League.
If Leeds United were to beat Newcastle United at Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime then the Blues would start the game with Pep Guardiola's side in the relegation zone.
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City come into this match with their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid on their minds, but know a win here will go a long way to cementing their third league title in a row.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “Three weeks ago, you’d look at this as an easy fixture for Manchester City. I do expect Manchester City to win it. But Everton were really good against Brighton and I think they played well against Leicester in the 2-2 draw as well.
“This won’t be a straightforward win for Manchester City. Even when they were struggling in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, they looked capable of scoring goals. That’s why I don’t think Everton are going to get the better of City.
“I don’t think Pep Guardiola can rest his key players for this game and keep them fresh for the second leg against Real Madrid next week. City have to turn up against Everton. I know they’ve got a game to lose but the way the fixtures are going, I think this is a must-win game. Everton 0-2 Manchester City.”
Former Blackburn Rovers striker Sutton told BBC Sport that City will win 2-1. He said: "How this game goes depends on which Manchester City team we see - my concern for them here is how much they rotate their squad before the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid next week.
"Everton boss Sean Dyche played a tactical blinder in his side's big win at Brighton in the way they sat in, playing very narrow, and then hit them with quick counter-attacks.
"I can see Dyche doing the same this time, because they carry a real threat on the break. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is looking stronger now - that Brighton game was his fourth start in a row after an injury-hit season - while Dwight McNeil had a stormer against the Seagulls.
"It's quite an obvious thing to say but I think the first goal will be absolutely crucial. City should still have enough quality to win, even with one eye on the Real tie, but Everton could make it extremely difficult for them. I am covering the City versus Real game next week for BBC Radio 5 Live. I think City are the better team and they should get through it but it is going to be the big moments that decide that tie, just like when they met last year.
"As for Everton, my choice of who goes down with Southampton changes every week but that win at Amex Stadium was massive for the Toffees. They finish their season at Wolves then at home to Bournemouth. Even if they lose to City, I think they can win one of those games and 35 points might be enough.
"At the moment I am going with Leicester and Leeds to be relegated, but ask me again next week and I might give you a different answer."
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