I’ve been very impressed by Manchester City in recent weeks under new boss Roberto Mancini but they look on the short side to claim another three points at Goodison Park on Saturday evening and I’m happy to take them on.
There was nothing too flashy about the Citizens triumphs over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City following the Italian’s appointment as manager but they turned in a very decent display on Monday night when thumping Blackburn Rovers 4-1, Carlos Tevez stealing the show with a hat-trick, and the Premier League title is a realistic target now for the Eastlands club.
Tevez has been pivotal in recent weeks, the Argentine now has 10 goals in his last seven Premier League matches, but City will once again be missing a number of key men for the trip to Merseyside and David Moyes’ side will be a different test altogether to the ones they have faced in the past month.
Everton started the season in rather lacklustre fashion but, despite still having only five Premier League victories to their name in the current campaign, the Toffees have improved beyond all recognition in their past dozen games or so and were unlucky not to leave The Emirates with all three points last time out.
A late Tomas Rosicky equaliser denied Everton that day, making it five top flight draws in their past six matches, but Moyes knows his team are better than the 12th place they currently occupy and I think the hosts will be good enough for at least a point.
The return of Leon Osman to bolster the midfield has proved a welcome bonus for Moyes while the on loan signing of American captain Landon Donovan could prove a shrewd acquisition. I’m a fan of the LA Galaxy man and thoroughly expect him to replicate the form showed by the likes of international team-mate Clint Dempsey who is enjoying such a productive season at Fulham.
A win for the visitors on Saturday would see them cement their place inside the top four but, while Mancini will be targeting bigger and better things over the coming months, they may just have to settle for a point.
Patrick Vieira could be handed his Manchester City debut but Stephen Ireland, Joleon Lescott, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor and Shaun Wright-Phillips are all set to remain on the sidelines and I’ll be taking them on at just 2.60. A point probably suits both sides and looks the most likely outcome.
2pts Lay Man City @ 2.60 vs. Everton) @ Betfair