Manchester City v Everton
Date: 21/08/17
KO: 20:00pm
TV: Sky Sports Premier League
Both Manchester City and Everton will look to continue their winning starts to this season as Monday Night Football returns to the Premier League at the Etihad.
Man City play their first home game of the season with a new look team whilst Everton will want to impress with a win against a top four team.
Man City looked impressive against new boys Brighton in a game that saw them break down a resilient Albion side. As one of this seasons favourites to challenge for the title, Guardiola’s side will look to create momentum similar to last season’s start.
Pep Guardiola is likely to remain with the 3-1-4-2 formation that he trialled on the south coast as City look to play expansive attacking football. He may also be reluctant to make changes to a winning side, despite Benjamin Mendy nearing full fitness from a calf injury.
Ilkay Gundogan has returned to training for the Manchester side since his lengthy injury saw him miss most of last season’s campaign. New signing Benjamin Mendy could make his debut. He trained with the squad for the first time earlier this week having signed with an injury.
Koeman’s Everton will be looking to make a challenge on the top four this season. The fixture will be their first attempt to show their fans that they are capable of reaching the top four spots.
The Toffees will be optimistic having beaten City 4-0 last season at Goodison Park. Everton will have a three day rest period having beaten Hajduk Split 2-0 in a Europa League qualifier.
The Blues are without Seamus Coleman who is still recovering from a leg break. Ross Barkley will miss his first chance to feature due to a hamstring injury in training. Funes Mori and Bolasie also remain sidelined.
Everton fans may see a debut for club record signing Gylfi Sigurdsson who joined the club on Wednesday. He did not feature in Thursday Europa League squad, though his involvement may see England youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin drop to the bench.
Written by Dom Holt.
