Everton vs. Man City: So Much on the Line | OneFootball

After a rare eight-day layoff, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are back in action on Monday as they take on Everton.

City will make the short trip across the M62 knowing that if they do not return with three points, it could spell the end of their title hopes. David Moyes’ Everton, meanwhile, are still chasing their own goals, with European qualification still a tangible possibility for the Toffees.

Everton’s European hopes

After fighting relegation in the past four seasons, the Toffees have enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance this season. They are back battling towards the top half of the table, where they certainly belong historically.

This resurgence has been spear-headed by the impact of a number of talented players, chiefly Iliman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Garner and Jack Grealish. The latter is sadly out for the season was, in any case, ineligible to face his parent club this weekend.

These standout players grouped with experienced top level professionals, the likes of James Tarkowski, Idrissa Gueye and others, alongside a world class goalkeeper in Jordan Pickford, have turned Everton into a serious force. Overseen by the shrewd Moyes, the Toffees find themselves just two points adrift of the European places.

However, back-to-back 2-1 defeats, first against rivals Liverpool and then against relegation-battling West Ham, have harmed their European ambitions. Everton’s last adventures on the continent came in the 2017/18 campaign. If they want to end that hiatus next season, then every point is critical in a hotly-contested race for Europe. With just four matches remaining, up to seven teams are still harbouring ambitions of claiming the two spots for either Europa League or UEFA Conference League qualification.

Moyes’ Record vs. Pep

Unfortunately for Everton, Moyes’ record against Guardiola does not make for good reading. Of their 18 meetings, the Catalan has come out on top 14 times, they have drawn three matches and the Scotsman has prevailed on just one occasion. Moyes’ sole victory over City’s boss came on penalties after a goalless draw in the Carabao Cup third round back in 2021.

Guardiola has maintained a similar level of supremacy against Everton as a club. He has been on the winning side in 15 of his 20 clashes with the Toffees, drawing four times and lasting defeat just once. The Catalan will be expecting to further improve his record on Monday, with City chasing their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.

City’s First Trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium

City and Guardiola may have already faced Everton many times, however this will be their maiden visit to the Toffees’ new home. City’s manager was a huge admirer of Everton’s old stadium, Goodison Park, repeatedly professing his love for the arena which he felt captured the spirit of English football.

“The old Everton stadium was so cool and so British,” Guardiola maintained this Friday. “I loved to go there, but I’m looking forward to go to the new stadium.”

Indeed the tactical mastermind’s love for English football seems genuine. Last Tuesday, instead of watching the blockbuster European clash between PSG and Bayern Munich, Guardiola was spotted in the stands at Edgeley Park. The Catalan watched Port Vale overcome Stockport County in a League One clash.

“The day before, I saw the calendar and saw PSG and Bayern Munich and thought, ‘ah, what a disaster game.’ The managers are not good – Luis [Enrique] and Vini [Kompany],” Guardiola humorously explained. “Really sh*t players, so… I’m in love with English football, and I decided to go to Stockport.”

City’s Upcoming Schedule

City’s boss will not have much more opportunity for extracurricular activities this season, as his side now embark on an extremely busy run. The Blues will face six matches in 20 days, starting with Everton.

With Arsenal now re-establishing a gap at the top of the Premier League table, City must respond in force. If Guardiola’s side win all six of their upcoming matches, then an incredible domestic treble could be theirs. Failure to win just one of those fixtures could leave their hopes in ruins.