Everton vs Manchester City: Sky Blues Favored for Away Victory

After nearly a two-week break in Premier League action, Manchester City resume their title challenge with a historic first visit to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The Sky Blues enter the match fresh from securing their place in the FA Cup final, while Everton are reeling from consecutive late defeats that have dented their European aspirations.

**Everton’s Struggles**

David Moyes’ poor personal record against Pep Guardiola provides little optimism, and this reunion comes at an inopportune time for Everton. After a promising run of 10 points from five league matches between late February and mid-April, the Toffees have suffered back-to-back 2–1 losses, both decided in stoppage time. Virgil van Dijk’s 100th-minute winner in the Merseyside derby was followed by Callum Wilson’s 92nd-minute strike for West Ham, leaving Everton in the bottom half of the table.

Despite remaining within three points of Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton face a daunting historical record. They are winless in their last 17 league meetings with Manchester City, who have also won their last eight top-flight visits to Goodison Park.

**Team News**

Jack Grealish, on loan from City, is ineligible and ruled out for the season after foot surgery, while Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined with a thigh injury. However, Beto has cleared concussion protocols and could return to the starting lineup after contributing four goals and an assist in his last three appearances.

**Manchester City’s Momentum**

Manchester City’s treble ambitions remain intact, with the Carabao Cup already secured and an FA Cup final against Chelsea looming. Despite trailing Arsenal by six points, City have two games in hand and are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League matches.

Recent wins have showcased their resilience, including a narrow 1–0 victory over Burnley and a hard-fought 2–1 FA Cup semi-final triumph against Southampton. Their away form has also improved, with 14 points taken from their last six league matches.

**Team News**

Rodri remains a doubt with a groin issue, though Nico Gonzalez has staked his claim after scoring a 30-yard winner in the FA Cup semi-final. Defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias are still out, but Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Bernardo Silva are expected to return to the starting lineup.

**Conclusion**

Manchester City’s ability to grind out results, combined with Everton’s struggles to close matches, makes an away win the likely outcome. With key players returning and momentum on their side, City are poised to extend their dominance over the Toffees.

**Verdict: Away win**

**Best odds: 49/100**

**Bookmaker: Olympusbet**