Everton could return to the top four with a win at Manchester City, providing other results go their way.
Paul Merson
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes Everton have been off the boil of late.
Despite going second in the table with a win against Middlesbrough in mid September, a defeat to Bournemouth and subsequent draw against Crystal Palace has seen Ronald Koeman’s side slip out of the Champions League places.
A trip to Premier League leaders Manchester City is perhaps the last thing they need, although the Citizens’ comprehensive loss at Tottenham Hotspur last time out has stripped them of their immortality.
Spurs executed their game plan to perfection at White Hart Lane, practically pressing Pep Guardiola’s side to death for long spells.
As it happens, the Londoners’ style is somewhat similar to the one which Koeman is trying to implement at Everton. Although Merson has his doubts about the Toffees’ ability to mimic Spurs’ display against City – and is backing the hosts to win by a 3-2 scoreline.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
“Everton have gone off the boil a little bit recently and I don’t see how they can match Tottenham’s tempo when they beat Man City,” the former England midfielder wrote in his weekly predictions column for Sky Sports.
“They need to press high and make sure Claudio Bravo can’t pass it out. You let him kick it long because they have Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and David Silva, and none of them are over 5ft 8in.
Manchester City’s Bravo
“Teams are catching on to this because it forces City to take even more chances at the back, which gives you opportunities. But can Everton play that way for 90 minutes? I don’t think so.
“City always have a go and Everton will create chances, so it should be high scoring.”
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