Everton’s start to the season has gone far and beyond the expectations of the Toffees fan base, rocketing up to fifth in the Premier League table with 14 points from seven games – that’s pretty much Champions League qualifying form.
But upon facing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend (3pm kickoff, Saturday) Ronald Koeman’s boys comes up against the form side in England, currently sitting pretty at the Premier League’s summit, and will have a difficult task stopping a team with a 100% home record this season.
Both Tottenham and Celtic have both proved that Pep Guardiola’s team is far from invincible, claiming a 2-0 win at White Hart Lane and a 3-3 draw in the Champions League respectively.
Everton may not have beaten City on their home turf since 2010 but Football FanCast believe that could come to an end this Saturday. Here are three ways Everton can claim a shock upset against Manchester City.
Attack City’s full-backs
If City have an Achilles heel, it’s certainly their full-backs. Without Bacary Sagna for three weeks, City have become even weaker in their weakest area. Tottenham perfectly executed abusing their full-backs and City could not contain the pace Tottenham possessed in wide positions during the 2-0 defeat at White Hart Lane.
With Sagna out, Pablo Zabaleta is set to start a third straight game and for City fans, the decline of Zabaleta is like watching your nan slowly become worse for wear.
The cornerstone to City in recent times, Zabaleta is below the level City want to be at currently. At left-back, Aleksandr Kolarov is certainly a worry for the Citizens against the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu. Pace is a worry for City and Everton have it in abundance.
Intensity
One thing Manchester City have proven time and time again – they are incapable of dealing with teams who play with intensity. Tottenham and Celtic have both recently proved that City are no different under Guradiola and struggle to cope with teams who press relentlessly.
For Everton to be successful on Saturday, an intense midfield and high pressure is certainly required to ensure City do not have the time on the ball to penetrate Everton’s defence.
David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne have proven they can destroy opposition defences when given time on the ball, but Everton can stop any potential danger with an intense style.
Remaining tight at the back
Everton have proven that they can remain solid in defensive situations this season and Koeman was quick to identify the team’s weak point. For Everton to beat City this weekend, the Dutchman must insure his defence remain at their very best.
City have failed to score just three times in five years at home and Saturday could prove no different. With Kevin De Bruyne expected back from injury, and Nolito back from a suspension picked up against Bournemouth, City will be basically fully fit in attacking options.
Everton have conceded the second lowest number of goals this campaign and another clean sheet against City will probably see a victory for the Evertonian’s.
