Paul Merson has now predicted who will win when Everton host Manchester City at Goodison Park this Sunday.
The pundit insists that it is a ‘must-win’ game for the visitors, and though he states that City will come out on top, he believes it won’t be ‘straightforward’ for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Writing via his weekly column on Sportskeeda, Merson predicts a 2-0 win for the league leaders, stating: “This won’t be a straightforward win for Manchester City.
Even when they were struggling in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, they looked capable of scoring goals. That’s why I don’t think Everton are going to get the better of City.
I don’t think Pep Guardiola can rest his key players for this game and keep them fresh for the second leg against Real Madrid next week. City have to turn up against Everton.
I know they’ve got a game to lose but the way the fixtures are going, I think this is a must-win game.”
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City are chasing the treble and though they will have ambitions of picking up all three trophies, their Champions League ambitions may be their priority with a Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid to prepare for.
Everton will be boosted by Monday evening’s 5-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion and will no doubt be looking to catch City at a time when their focus could be elsewhere.
The Toffees arguably have the bigger incentive to get something out of the game, with just three Premier League fixtures remaining.
The 5-1 victory at the Amex Stadium lifted Sean Dyche’s side out of the relegation zone and remaining outside of the bottom three will be an enormous motivation for Everton.