Marco Silva will face his toughest test as Everton manager this weekend when he travels to the Etihad to take on reigning champions Manchester City.
The Blues go into the clash stuck in a minor rut, Silva is winless in three, heading to Manchester on the back of a sucker punch in the Merseyside derby and two disappointing home draws to Newcastle and Watford.
Now the Toffees will face a City side looking to bounce back from their first league loss this campaign at the hands of Chelsea last weekend. A result that knocked Pep Guardiola’s troops off the summit of the Premier League.
City reacted well in their midweek Champions League tie with Hoffenheim, though. Two Leroy Sane strikes guaranteed top spot in Group F.
The Citizens are a different animal at home, they are on a run of eight straight wins at the Etihad, scoring a minimum of two goals in each of those games.
Signs don’t particularly point in the direction of an Everton side with just one win on the road all campaign but after inspiring performances at the Emirates, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield this season there is no reason Silva can’t get Everton’s first win at one of Sky’s ‘Big Six’ this season.
The Toffees were one of very few to go to City’s home last term and come away with anything. Wayne Rooney scored his 200th PL goal in a 1-1 draw in August 2017.
Sam Allardyce was taught a football lesson by Guardiola in March when City came to Goodison and won 3-1. A scoreline that could’ve easily been doubled.
One to watch
Raheem Sterling has been in dazzling form so far this season. In all competitions the winger has already bagged nine goals with a further seven assists.
The former Liverpool man scored in both fixtures against the Blues last term.
Team news
Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne could make their much anticipated return to action on Saturday. Gabriel Jesus hasn’t truly impressed in Aguero’s absence and the hosts have been without De Bruyne for most of the campaign.
Idrissa Gueye will have a late fitness test for Everton.
Man in the middle
Craig Pawson will take the whistle for this one. He is the man who sent off Phil Jagielka against Wolves on the opening day of the 18/19 season. In 17 games he has shown 78 yellows and three reds.