It has been a terrific 10 days or so for Manuel Pellegrini and his Manchester City players. Sergio Aguero’s last gasp winner against Bayern Munich looks to have been the catalyst they were looking for. Since then they have won consecutive away games in the league, defeating Southampton and Sunderland in the last six days. The manner of their victories against both was reminiscent of their powerful performances in their title win during the last campaign which had been missing for much of this season. They have another big week ahead of them domestically and in Europe and it’s likely to be a week which will go a long way to deciding how they fare for the rest of the season.
After a terrific 2-0 win away to Wolfsburg to ensure they top their Europa League group and qualify for the next stage, Everton have been hit with a dose of reality by picking up only one point in two league games. Although taking the lead away to Tottenham and at home to Hull, the Toffees managed only a draw against the latter. Those results have seen them drop back into the bottom 10 and they will be under no illusions as to how big a challenge they face this weekend as they travel to the Champions. Unlike their opponents, however, having already ensured qualification, their match in midweek has little riding on it whereas City still have work to do.
The biggest surprise of City’s 3-0 win over Southampton last Sunday was the absence of Aguero from the score sheet. The Argentine has been in scintillating form all season and notched another two in the 4-1 success over Sunderland on Tuesday. He’s playing with so much confidence at the moment and is a certainty to be involved against Everton, despite the important of the upcoming Champions League game against Roma.
Roberto Martinez felt his team had turned a corner after what was a less than convincing start to the season but he will be disappointed with his side’s inability to hold on to a lead. It’s now 12 points they have dropped from winning positions and that lack of a killer instinct is hampering their ability to challenge further up the table.
Games between these two are often entertaining and I expect this one to be no different. The two games they played out last weekend resulted in nine goals whilst Everton have scored in seven of their last eight visits to City. The home side have definitely stepped it up a gear and I suspect they’ll be too strong for Everton and following suit from last season, a City win and over 2.5 goals is the way to go again.
Man City to win and Over 2.5 goals 9/10 @ Stan James
