Premier League: City have Swagger of Champs Again

Manchester City vs Everton

There have been ominous signs for Manchester City’s rivals in the 2023-24 Premier League title race in recent weeks.

For me, the most eye-catching result was their last-gasp win at Newcastle which was as much about character as class.

The introduction of Kevin De Bruyne – a twice footballer of the year – from the bench was not only a game changer but helped take the champions back to their exalted heights.

Fast forward a fortnight to an FA Cup tie at Spurs, and the sight of De Bruyne joined on the bench by John Stones was another true show of strength.

With Erling Haaland returning to action the following week and then Manuel Akanji named on the substitutes’ bench at Brentford on Monday evening, there is an inescapable feeling that the country’s top team are getting back to full strength at exactly the right time.

Talking Points

Another of their star men, Phil Foden, was quick to have his say in that match.

There is a growing maturity to his performances: more edge, more decisiveness, more of a determination to take games by the scruff of the neck. He already has 15 goals for club and country this season. He got 16 last year.

The challenge at City is to keep pushing the boundaries and victory on Saturday lunchtime would take them back to the top, even if only for a few hours.

Standing in their way of yet more Premier League 2024 highlights are Everton, for whom the boundaries are very different.

Indeed, there is every chance their fight against relegation may ultimately be decided behind closed doors and not exclusively on the pitch.

Yet you have to admire how they refuse to accept their fate and chase survival. Certainly, their character rescued what could well be a valuable point against Spurs last weekend in the bid to remain a Premier League concern.

Jarrad Branthwaite’s late equaliser brought sheer joy to the majority of those inside the stadium. This followed another pre-match protest by home fans dismayed and angry over their 10-point deduction.

After breaching rules which say clubs can only overspend by £105 million over three seasons – they were ruled to be £19.5 million in excess of that –November’s announcement that the Toffees had been docked points (subject to appeal) had barely subsided when it emerged that the Merseysiders could face another deduction.

Reeling from the unprecedented punishment two months ago, they rallied superbly, winning four games in the top-flight and drawing the other, but now the threat of relegation looms large again as they have won only one of their past 10 games in all competitions.

Manager Sean Dyche and fans will know that, realistically, anything they can get from this fixture will be a bonus.

The outcome of the appeal hearing is due within the next week or so but, whether it is upheld or not, surely any further point penalty would almost certainly end their proud spell in English football’s top-flight – they have played at the highest level continuously since 1954.

Every point is precious for both City and Everton right now.

History

The overall history in this fixture could not be much closer. City have 80 wins to Everton’s 68 victories with 48 meetings ending all square.

However, there is no denying who has held the upper hand of late.

City have won 12 of the last 13 meetings in all competitions, including at Christmas when they overturned a half-time deficit to win 3-1 at Goodison Park, courtesy of goals from Foden, Julian Alvarez (penalty) and Bernardo Silva.

December 2010 was the last time Everton won at the City of Manchester Stadium – a 2-1 success when Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines scored in the first 19 minutes before Yaya Toure pulled one back.

Betting Tip 

That Everton are priced 1X2 @ 9.80 with the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds tells you everything you need to know about who is expected to win this one.

The boys from Goodison are also on offer Asian Handicap +1.75 @ 2.14 with a repeat of their unexpected 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture last term priced @ 13.00 with Correct Score.

City, meanwhile, are available 1X2 @ 1.20 and Asian Handicap -2.25 @ 2.33.

For goals aplenty, how about Total Goal 4-6 @ 2.39 or Over 3.50 @ 2.16, or will you opt for a more conservative 0-1 @ 5.50 or 2-3 @ 2.18?

For this contest, I am going for the latter as my prediction.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.