Premier League: Can Dyche Pull off the Result of 2023?

Everton vs Manchester City

We have a relegation-threatened side at home to the Premier League leaders, so what do we expect folks? An away win?

Yep, that’s it for me too. But as this SBOTOP writer is a Burnley fan, I have seen the current Everton manager, Sean Dyche, bloody the noses of the best teams in the land. So, if anyone can pull off a major shock on Sunday, maybe the gravel-voiced warrior is the man.

Everton come into the game on the back of a stunning 5-1 win away to Brighton and nobody saw that coming. Meanwhile, Manchester City drew 1-1 away to Real Madrid in the Champions League and they have less time to prepare.   

It would be one of the Premier League 2023 results of the season and it would potentially bring Arsenal back into the title race, but can Dyche really rally his troops to beat the very best?   

Talking Points

McNeil is starting to shine for the Toffees

Everton were almost unrecognisable at the Amex Arena on Monday night. Yes, they conceded the vast majority of possession but, with five shots on target each they carried an equal threat to their flamboyant hosts and were more clinical.

The Toffees sold their star striker Richarlison in the summer and goals have been hard to come by, but the walloping of the Seagulls followed a battling 2-2 draw away to fellow strugglers Leicester City and now Everton’s destiny is in their own hands.    

With seven goals, Dwight McNeil is top scorer and he’s made four assists. And under his old Burnley boss, the 23-year-old winger is starting to fulfil his potential, scoring as many goals for Everton in 33 appearances as he did for the Clarets in 134.

McNeil has a beautiful delivery with his left foot and has found the confidence to back himself. And alongside Alex Iwobi, who has made seven assists, he can stretch defences to the limit.   

Everton sit 17^th in the table but now, crucially, two points above the drop zone. And with games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth to come, I can see them repeating last season’s great escape. 

Sky Blues Treble aim gathers pace

But beat Manchester City? Let’s bring in a bit of realism. The Premier League 2023 betting odds have pulled the Sky Blues down to odds of 1.08 to win the title, 1.28 to win the FA Cup, and they are hot favourites to win the Champions League.

This is, quite possibly, the best team in the world, and they have a manager underneath the gloss who is as steely as his opponent.

Pep Guardiola wasn’t happy when the Sky Blues failed to see off Leeds more clinically last week, particularly when they had the chance to make it 3-0 from the penalty spot. Erling Haaland gave the spot kick to Ilkay Gundogan who was on a hat-trick, but the German missed and a late Leeds goal made it 2-1.

If Manchester City are on their game then they are unbeatable and, with record goal scorer Haaland now working superbly with his teammates, there is little to fault.

From keeper Ederson and centre-back Ruben Dias, who is back to his very best, through to the fluid front six which is a nightmare to defend against, this is a special set of players.

Jack Grealish is in the form of his life. Kevin De Bruyne proved what a special player he is with a stunning strike against Real Madrid. Gundogan and Bernardo Silva just seem to get better and better, and Julian Alvarez has shown that he can be a lethal partner to Haaland.

Good luck Sean!       

History

In the Premier League era Manchester City are leading the head to-heads by 24 wins to 18, while there have been 10 draws, including a 1-1 draw when the teams met at the Etihad on New Year’s Eve.     

The Sky Blues are on a 21-match unbeaten run with 17 victories in that sequence, while Everton have just pulled off their first win in eight matches. Can the Toffees make it two from nine?

Betting Tip

You know what? I have to be sensible.  At 1.33 to win, the Sky Blues should get back to their ruthless best, while Everton have renewed hope and their fans would just love a draw at odds of 4.36 or even a famous victory at 7.14. 2-0 to City at a price of 5.99 is the most likely outcome, and I’m with a two-goal margin all the way.

 

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