Everton make the short trip to face Manchester City in the Premier League this evening.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that Everton must sign another centre forward before the transfer deadline – and predicted a 2-0 defeat for the Toffees at Manchester City this evening.
Everton enjoyed a productive summer by landing the likes of Jordan PIckford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen, Sandro Ramirez and Wayne Rooney before the start of the season, and they added to that list by signing Gylfi Sigurdsson from Swansea last week.
Ronald Koeman (L) and Pep Guardiola (R)
Everton opened their season with a 1-0 home win over Stoke City, as Rooney enjoyed a dream return to Goodison Park by scoring the winning goal, and Koeman will hope to build on that with a strong showing against Premier League title favourites Manchester City.
With Sigurdsson available, Everton could cause City problems, though Pep Guardiola’s men did look impressive in their 2-0 opening day victory over newly-promoted Brighton and Hove Albion.
Sergio Aguero’s opener was followed up by a Lewis Dunk own goal on that day, but having drew 1-1 with and lost 4-0 to Everton last season, Guardiola will be wary of another upset from his former Barcelona team-mate Koeman.
Ahead of the game, pundit Mark Lawrenson has spoken to BBC Sport about Everton’s current squad, and still feels that the Toffees must make one more signing before this month’s transfer deadline.
Lawrenson believes that, having sold Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United in a big-money deal this summer, Koeman and Everton must sign another centre forward to provide additional firepower, even after landing Rooney and Ramirez.
Lawrenson also spoke about tonight’s game, predicting a 2-0 victory for Manchester City, as Everton won’t possess the same threat on the counter attack as they did with Lukaku in their side last season.
“Everton have made another good signing by getting Sigurdsson from Swansea,” said Lawrenson. “They have now brought in almost everything they need, apart from a centre-forward. The Toffees got a point at Etihad Stadium last season with a classic counter-attacking display – defending in numbers and attacking on the break through Romelu Lukaku, who got their goal in exactly that fashion.”
“I’m sure Ronald Koeman will try the same tactic this time, but without Lukaku they pose a lot less of a threat. Manchester City had to be patient when they faced similar tactics at Brighton on Saturday, and I think this will be the same because Everton are not going to come and attack City. It might take time, but City will find a way through eventually,” he added.
What is your prediction for Manchester City v Everton?
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