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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

Three pundits agree on Everton vs Man City score prediction

Manchester City travel to Goodison Park to take on struggling Everton this weekend aiming to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League table.

City are at the summit of the top flight by a point ahead of title rivals Arsenal. Pep Guardiola's side also have a game in hand over Mikel Arteta's oufit and are in pole position to retain their title.

When these two sides last met at the Etihad Stadium at the end of December, the Toffees shocked their hosts by coming from behind to claim a point against Guardiola's men. Demarai Gray netted after the break to stun the Etihad and cancel out Erling Haaland's first half opener.

READ MORE: Erling Haaland thanks Man City dressing room and Pep Guardiola as he's named FWA Footballer of the Year

And City have the prospect of the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week against Real Madrid on the horizon at the Etihad. The clash is evenly poised following a 1-1 draw in the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.

But for now, all focus is on the top flight encounter on Merseyside and here's what the pundits have had to say ahead of the clash and which way they see it going.

Chris Sutton (BBC Sport)

"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."

Sutton's prediction: Everton 1-2 Manchester City

Paul Merson (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."

Merson's prediction: Everton 0-2 Manchester City

Mark Lawrenson (Paddy Power)

"Should be a good game, this. I think it will be tough for Manchester City but I think they’ll win.

"Everton’s result against Brighton, you could argue, has been one of the best of the season which is mad.

"Someone was telling me they can only win when they wear their pink kit which obviously they can’t here! Everton 0-2 Manchester City."

Lawrenson's prediction: Everton 0-2 Manchester City

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