"There is so much noise around City at the moment" - Chris Sutton makes score prediction for Manchester City vs Everton
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has predicted Manchester City to defeat Everton 2-1 in their upcoming Premier League clash. The two sides will lock horns at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, December 26.
Manchester City are going through a rough patch currently. Pep Guardiola's side have managed just one win in their last eight league matches and lost 2-1 away at Aston Villa in their last outing.
Everton, meanwhile, come into the clash high on confidence. The Toffees are on a three game unbeaten run, and notably held Arsenal and Chelsea to goalless draws in their last two league games. Additionally, Sean Dyche's side have lost only once in their last six league matches, picking up four goalless draws and a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on matchweek 14.
Despite City's poor form, Sutton believes that they will bounce back with a win against Everton. He said (via BBC):
"Manchester City are finding everything difficult at the moment, including creating chances and scoring goals, but I still think it is just a matter of time until they come good again - they have to."
"There is so much noise around City at the moment, about what is going wrong, but this is still a game they should win."
He continued:
"Everton have kept clean sheets in five of their past six games but they got thumped the last time they came to Manchester - at the start of December, when they lost 4-0 to Manchester United. I think they will lose at Etihad Stadium too."
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gives injury update on 3 key players ahead of Everton clash
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided fitness updates on John Stones, Matheus Nunes, and goalkeeper Ederson Moraes ahead of his side's clash with Everton on Boxing Day (December 26).
Guardiola confirmed that Stones is unlikely to play against the Toffees after his injury against Aston Villa on Saturday (December 21). He also admitted that he is uncertain about Ederson and Nunes' involvement in the match.
The defending league champions will look to give their fans something to cheer about with a victory over Everton. The Cityzens' poor form has seen them drop to seventh in the league standings with 27 points after 17 matches.
