The Saturday evening Premier League clash this weekend sees champions Man City host Champions League wannabes Everton at the Etihad, and with both teams sure to go all out for the win, we could see a very entertaining encounter.
Manuel Pellegrini’s team continued their fine recent form on Wednesday evening as they came from a goal down to beat Sunderland 4-1 at the Stadium of Light. Argentine sharpshooter Sergio Aguero once again played a starring role as he scored two and made another to give his team the points that keep just a soupcon of pressure on league leaders Chelsea. It was the Citizens’ fourth victory on the bounce – including their Champions League triumph over European champions Bayern Munich – and it is clear the side are beginning to regain the confidence and poise that saw them to the title last season.
Everton, meanwhile, have struggled to maintain the necessary levels of consistency this term having won just four of their 14 league matches thus far. A narrow defeat at Spurs on Sunday was followed in midweek by a disappointing home point against Hull City, who had been struggling for form themselves prior to that game. Roberto Martinez is still confident his side can turn things around and begin to put a good run together, but they are lacking the defensive solidity that has long been characteristic of the club having conceded more than 1.5 goals per game in the current campaign compared to around one a game in 2013-14.
The bookies rightly price in-form City as the odds-on favourites, with Betfred offering best odds of just 4/7. Everton could be a tempting prospect for some at chunky odds of 11/2 with BetVictor, while the draw is available at 10/3 with Bet365. The Citizens did the league double over Everton last season but it should be noted that the Toffees have won on four of their last seven league visits to City, though their last victory there was in 2010. So can Martinez mastermind a much-needed win on Saturday? We think it unlikely.
Manchester City v Everton Betting Tips
- Man City to win and both teams to score – While City appear to have turned a corner in terms of getting victories, they still appear a little leaky at the back, something Everton clearly have the players to exploit. Backing this outcome looks a solid bet at nice odds of 15/8 with Coral.
- Aguero to score first – Aguero has scored a goal every 108 minutes during his Premier League career, which is, frankly, astounding. We fancy he’ll be on target again on Saturday and can be backed at 10/3 with Bet365 to get the opener.
- Over 3.5 goals – At odds of 7/5 with BetVictor, some might think backing over 3.5 goals looks a little on the short side, but there were five goals in their last meeting and four in the one prior to that and we can see another goalfest transpiring here.