League leaders Manchester City host Everton in the Premier League this afternoon.
Mark Lawrenson
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Manchester City will draw 1-1 with Everton at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.
City lost their 100% start to the season against Tottenham before the international break, as Mauricio Pochettino’s men clinched a 2-0 win at White Hart Lane almost two weeks ago.
Manager Pep Guardiola has had around a fortnight to mull over that defeat, and he’ll be desperate to bounce back in style against Everton today.
Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium
Ronald Koeman’s men made a great start to the campaign with four wins in their first five games, but a disappointing 1-0 defeat away at Bournemouth and an underwhelming 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace have given Koeman plenty to think about.
Today, Koeman goes up against his former Barcelona team-mate Guardiola, as having featured in the same team, they now lock horns on the touchline – and pundit Mark Lawrenson thinks the Dutchman could spring something of a surprise by claiming a draw.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of today’s game, Lawrenson has stated that he thinks City will be desperate to claim a win having lost to Spurs last time out, but thinks they could face a frustrating afternoon after many of their players flew around the world on international duty over the last fortnight.
Lawrenson noted that Everton were a bogey team for City during David Moyes’ time in charge of the Toffees, and whilst that had been a different matter under Roberto Martinez, he thinks Everton can leave with a 1-1 draw this afternoon.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman before the match
“Manchester City will be expecting to bounce back after their 100% winning start to the league season was ended by a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham,” said Lawrenson. “The Toffees became City’s bogey team when David Moyes was in charge but it has been a different story recently and Everton have not won any of their last six league meetings.”
“I do not think that will change on Saturday, but I do think it might be a frustrating afternoon for City. They will be desperate to give a good reaction after that Spurs game but they have had players scattered around the globe over the past week or so, and may not be at their best.
It is the same for Everton of course but, if both teams are below par, I would still expect the Toffees to leave with a point,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Manchester City v Everton?
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