Whilst it would normally be ill-advised to write a team’s chances off before a ball has even been kicked, it would appear that almost nobody is giving Everton a chance of obtaining anything from their meeting with Manchester City at the weekend.
The Toffees make the short trip to Manchester on Sunday afternoon as they go up against Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium and it would seem that Rafa Benitez’s team are highly unlikely to have an enjoyable time.
According to the prices provided by Betway Sportsbook, Man City have odds of 1/6 compared to Everton’s price of 16/1. In fact, given the odds that have been made available, it would be the biggest upset of the entire weekend if the Merseyside outfit were to win.
Currently sitting 11th in the Premier League table, the visitors do not have the best form heading into the encounter, although they did stop a rot of three defeats in a row with their 0-0 draw to Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.
However, when taking in the defeats to West Ham United, Watford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, then it is easy to see why many are not expecting much to be achieved against one of the Premier League’s very best.
Mason Holgate will have also made things more difficult for Benitez’s side, as he will be suspended, but some would suggest that his absence will not make that much of a difference given their opponents on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester City are continuing in their quest to retain their Premier League title and have moved within three points of Chelsea at the top of the table after winning the Manchester derby without having to really break a sweat prior to the international break.
Of course, the Citizens are far from beatable as Crystal Palace recently showed when the two teams met at the Etihad Stadium, but you can guarantee that Guardiola would have read them the riot act and told them in no uncertain terms that a defeat like that can never happen again under his watch.
It will be interesting to see how the Spaniard decides to line up against Everton given the squad depth that he has to choose from, especially as a number of his players managed to impress whilst representing their countries in their respective international fixtures all around the world.
Nonetheless, regardless of who he decides to stick as the first 11 names on his teamsheet, expect the Citizens to remain on winning ways.
