Everton vs. Manchester City – EPL, December 28, 2020

Both these clubs overcame dire weather conditions on Boxing Day to earn another three points, as some of the other challengers for the top four spots were less successful.

But it has not been plain sailing for either club this year as Everton has only just recovered from a poor run of form – and City has looked far from its very best. This promises to be an enthralling fixture.

The bookmakers have obviously not been that impressed with the way that Everton has performed this season as it makes Manchester City odds on to win this one at Goodison Park on Monday.

I think that makes the price for a home win – or the draw – look very attractive.

Everton started the season so well that it was probably inevitable that Carlo Ancelotti’s side would fall away slightly. More unexpected was the way that his team has rallied though – and now it comes into this game with only Liverpool above it in the table. Manchester City will hold no fear for these players.

The most recent victory over Sheffield United will not be looked back on as a highlight of the season. But the fighting spirit – and eventual winning of three points – show a steely determination in Everton that hasn’t always been there in the past. All that with some of its most important midfielders missing.

Manchester City will be happy that Everton should still be without James Rodriguez, Allan and Richarlison on Monday, but there is still a lot of threat in the Ancelotti’s squad. Pep Guardiola will have to deal with his own long list of absentees though – including Gabriel Jesus, who is missing his second game after testing positive for COVID.

City went six games unbeaten on Boxing Day when it overcame a limited Newcastle to win 2-0 at the Etihad. The result could have been even more convincing but there was a feeling that Guardiola was keeping some of his options open for this fixture. Sergio Aguerro only played the last quarter of an hour and he will surely see some more minutes against Everton.

Pep Guardiola is well known for rotating his squad but he must be looking at this game as one that he needs to field his best possible eleven for. He does have injuries and illness to deal with though. So an Everton side on top form – and brimming with confidence – could take a share of the points here.