Guardiola Focused Solely on Winning as Manchester City Face Everton

Pep Guardiola has emphasized his determination to "win, win, win" as Manchester City prepare to take on Everton in the Premier League, with the title race remaining tightly contested.

City, who secured a place in the FA Cup final after a dramatic comeback against Southampton last weekend, briefly climbed to the top of the league with a victory over Burnley. However, Arsenal have since reclaimed the summit and could extend their lead to six points if they defeat Fulham on Saturday. City, who hold a game in hand, will not play until Monday. According to Opta's supercomputer, City currently have a 29.7% chance of winning the title.

Guardiola anticipates a challenging match at Goodison Park but remains confident in his team's ability to secure all three points. "Difficult opponents—they always have been," Guardiola said of Everton. "It will be different because the old Everton stadium was iconic and very British. I loved going there, but I’m looking forward to the new stadium. They defend well, and David Moyes knows exactly what to do. Our previous game at the Etihad was decided by a few key moments, but we’ve improved since then. Hopefully, we can use our current form to win, win, win."

Everton’s aspirations for European qualification have suffered setbacks in recent weeks, with consecutive late defeats leaving them in 11th place, just three points behind sixth-placed Brighton. This match will mark David Moyes’ 16th Premier League encounter with Guardiola, with the Scot yet to secure a win against him during his spells at Sunderland, West Ham, and Everton (D2 L13).

Moyes is aiming for a significant result against City, knowing a victory could reignite Everton’s European ambitions. "The players aren’t used to competing for Europe, but it’s a better feeling than fighting relegation," Moyes said. "We hope to keep improving and challenge the top teams. City’s form isn’t surprising—they’re capable of this level—but if we can produce something special, it would be a major boost."

**Players to Watch**

**Everton – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall** Only Antoine Semenyo (+4.5) and Harry Wilson (+4.3) have a higher differential between their goals and expected goals this season than Dewsbury-Hall (+4.2 – eight goals, 3.8xG).

**Manchester City – Jeremy Doku** Doku has created 24 chances following a carry, second only to Callum Hudson-Odoi (26). His 82 carries into the penalty area are nine more than any other player, and he has assisted Erling Haaland four times, with only Bruno Fernandes (six for Casemiro) providing more for a single teammate.

**Match Prediction: Manchester City Win** City are unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League meetings with Everton (W14 D3) since a 4-0 loss in January 2017. Everton have lost their last eight home league games against City, their longest such streak against any opponent. City are unbeaten in 11 league matches (W8 D3), collecting the most points (24) and conceding the fewest goals (eight) in that period. Everton, meanwhile, have lost their last two league games and have not suffered three consecutive defeats since January of last season.

**Opta Win Probability** Everton – 24.7% Draw – 23% Manchester City – 52.3%