Manchester City begin a tough race for the Premier League title and a domestic treble when they visit Everton on Monday.
City’s first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium begins a run of four games in 15 days for Pep Guardiola’s men. They could be six points clear of Arsenal in the title race, despite having played two fewer games, with the Gunners hosting Fulham on Saturday.
This team is reported to have seen a number of game proposals rejected by the Premier League, leaving City with a lot to go around.
City host Brentford on Saturday following their trip to Merseyside, then make a quick turnaround for next Wednesday’s game against Crystal Palace, three days before the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Three days after their Wembley day, City travel to Bournemouth for their semi-final of the campaign, but have a short break before their final game against Aston Villa on May 24.
“It is what it is. Arsenal are in the semi-final of the Champions League, so it is,” said Guardiola about the traffic. “When we won the treble, we had the same calendar, but I learned a long time ago not to expect anything different, we have to adapt and deal with it game by game.
“It can happen in other countries, but this is what it is. We have to adapt. If you don’t like it, go and train in France or Portugal. I like being here, and I’ve said it many times – when I was in Barcelona I saw the management here complaining about the system – it’s always been like this. So I never expected anything different.”
City can at least be confident of a good start in this game. They have not dropped a point against Everton since losing 4-0 at Goodison Park in 2017 in Guardiola’s first season in charge.
“Tough opponents – they’ve been,” Guardiola said of Everton “It will be a surprise because Everton’s stadium was cool and nice, very British. I loved going there, but I’m looking forward to the new stadium.
“They defend very well. David Moyes knows exactly what to do. The game we played at the Etihad was decided by two or three actions, but then we were not good. We are better now, and hopefully we can use what we are playing to win, win, win.”
Everton saw a run of three games without a win end their European hopes, although going into Saturday’s games the Toffees were just three points behind sixth-placed Brighton and Hove Albion.
Moyes’ men lost back-to-back games scoring in the 90th minute, while Liverpool and West Ham netted late on to win 2-1.
“I think it’s important for us to see where we went wrong, because there are four games to come and it’s important that we don’t let it happen again,” defender Jake O’Brien told Everton’s website.
“But it is important that we do not focus on it and go to these games full of confidence and knowing that we can get points.
“Obviously, there are [City] a top team and it will be a tough game, but we have been in this position before when we came up against top opponents and came from a good side. That’s what we’re looking to do again.
“Especially at Hill Dickinson our fans are behind us, it will be important that they follow us again like they always do and we come out with three points.”
Everton v Manchester City team news
Everton striker Beto has been passed fit after undergoing the concussion protocol. Jarrad Branthwaite (thigh) is expected to miss the rest of the season along with Jack Grealish (foot).
City midfielder Rodri (groin) faces a late fitness test, while Ruben Dias (hamstring) and Josko Gvardiol (shin) remain sidelined.
