The first Premier League match after Christmas will see Everton make the short trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City on Boxing Day. This fixture comes at a challenging time for the reigning champions, who have had a disastrous run this season. After a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, Manchester City has now won just one of their last 12 matches, leaving them sitting outside the top six at Christmas. With only four points from their last eight league games, they are already 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, and their title hopes seem all but over.
However, playing first on Boxing Day provides City with a brief opportunity to climb back up the table, especially considering their strong home form. They haven’t lost consecutive home league games in almost four years, and they will be keen to avoid another disappointing result. The upcoming fixtures are more favorable, with matches against teams like Leicester, West Ham, and Brentford offering a chance to regain form.
Manchester City’s record against Everton is overwhelmingly strong, particularly at home. They have not lost to Everton at the Etihad in 13 matches, with their last defeat coming in the 2009-10 season. Furthermore, City has won all seven of their Boxing Day home games since their return to the Premier League in the early 2000s. The only time Everton won on Boxing Day at the Etihad was in 2004, but repeating that feat will be a monumental task, especially given their poor recent record against City Everton have won just one of their last 22 meetings with the champions.
Despite their struggles this season, Everton have reason for optimism. Manager Sean Dyche has steadied the ship after a tough period, including a 4-0 loss to Manchester United. Everton responded with a 4-0 win over Wolves and held both Arsenal and Chelsea to goalless draws, which also helped their rivals Liverpool in the title race. Additionally, Everton’s defense has been a bright spot, with the Toffees recording three consecutive clean sheets, and their defensive solidity has made them difficult to break down. Since October, they have the most clean sheets in Europe’s top five leagues.
However, Everton’s attacking woes continue to be a major concern. Their offensive output is the second-worst in the Premier League, with only Southampton having scored fewer goals. The team’s struggle to convert chances has left them relying heavily on their defense to earn points. Jordan Pickford has been in excellent form in goal, but the Toffees will need more from their attack if they are to cause an upset at the Etihad.
In terms of team news, Manchester City could be without John Stones, who picked up a foot injury against Villa, while Ederson is a doubt due to illness. Matheus Nunes missed the Villa game with a knock but could be available, especially with players like Mateo Kovacic and Nathan Ake returning to fitness. Ruben Dias remains sidelined with a muscle issue, while Rodri is expected to miss most of the season due to an ACL tear.
Everton will have Armando Broja available again after missing the Chelsea match due to his loan agreement, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin, despite his long goal drought, is expected to start. Ashley Young is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, so club captain Seamus Coleman is likely to step in at right-back. Dwight McNeil is a doubt after failing a fitness test, meaning the rest of the team could remain unchanged.
The likely starting lineups for both teams are as follows:
Manchester City: Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Everton: Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
With Manchester City’s recent struggles and Everton’s defensive resilience, this match could be closer than many expect. However, City’s superior quality and home advantage make them the favorites to take all three points.
