Manchester City will kick off the Boxing Day fixtures by hosting Everton, though there might not be too much festive cheer around a side that has lost nine of its last 12 games.
By Neel Shelat
City showing few signs of ending the slump
Even as Manchester City started a streak of losses in November, few could have believed that their form would remain just as dismal at Christmas time. Worse yet, their performances have not looked much better either.
Pep Guardiola’s side have shown signs of promise on occasion, but they have struggled to sustain a decent performance for the full 90 minutes. Their dramatic loss in the recent Manchester derby exposed their sudden inability to see out a lead, but last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa was arguably even more concerning as City simply looked second best.
Villa, for their part, contrived an excellent game plan that precisely targeted the defending champions’ weak spots. They were happy to drop back defensively and let City circulate possession, exposing a rather toothless attack. After turnovers, they ran straight at the visitors’ back line and cut them open on counterattacks. They were even able to deal damage with settled possession, baiting Manchester City’s disjointed press before slicing through it with slick passing.
This relatively straightforward blueprint has suddenly become effective against Guardiola’s side, as the former Barcelona tactician has changed little despite such poor results and injury issues. Once again, he will have to fashion a makeshift defensive unit for this match after John Stones suffered a recurring issue over the weekend while Rúben Dias remains out with a calf injury. Rodri, of course, is out for the season, and Matheus Nunes is unlikely to be an option in midfield either. Goalkeeper Ederson also did not make the squad last weekend and remains a doubt.
Everton aiming for a fourth-straight clean sheet
It has been far from smooth sailing for Everton for most of the season as they have struggled to string together a good run of results, largely hovering around the relegation zone. However, they seem to be turning a page heading towards the new year.
The Toffees have lost just one of their last six games, keeping clean sheets in all five others including their latest fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea. Indeed, their defence has been excellent as they are among the top half teams for both goals and xG conceded in the league, while they have the joint-most clean sheets.
Given City’s attacking struggles, another shutout could well be on the cards.
Could Everton stage another upset?
Everton have lost 13 of their last 14 matches against Manchester City, so they will be happy with any sort of points from this fixture. The Toffees have gotten the better of Pep Guardiola’s side once, though – all the way back in 2017, when they won 4-0 at Goodison Park.
Everton have the league’s second-worst attack this term, making a similar result all the more unlikely. Six of their 14 goals have come from set-pieces, so deal ball situations might just be their only scoring hope.
Prediction
Despite everything, Manchester City should be backed to grind out a win against Everton.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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