The busy festive schedule is in full swing and Everton are back in action on Thursday just days after their draw against Chelsea.
December looked a really daunting month for the Toffees with such a difficult fixture list against some of the top sides in the league.
The Merseyside Derby was postponed which provided some relief for Everton, but draws against Arsenal and Chelsea have provided a lot of promise.
But there is no relief for Sean Dyche’s side who are set to face Manchester City on Boxing Day at the Etihad Stadium.
And Pep Guardiola has now admitted what he has warned his players about ahead of Everton’s visit to Manchester.
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Pep Guardiola impressed by Everton’s set pieces
Following their defeat against Aston Villa, Guardiola turned his attention to Everton with his City side massively struggling in the league.
Speaking in his press conference on Christmas Eve, Guardiola has admitted he has been left so impressed by Everton’s set pieces this season.
“Sean Dyche’s sides always have a really good defensive structure, really good patterns defensively and offensively,” he said.
“And when they are able to do it against Chelsea and Arsenal, that means they are really good.
“Of course, set pieces they are really, really strong. In the top five leagues in Europe, they’re one of the best in terms of clean sheets that means they’re working really well.”
This is not the first time which the trait has been appreciated with Martin Keown praising Everton’s set pieces earlier in the campaign.
Despite City not quite being the dominant side which they have been over recent years, it is scenarios like set pieces where Everton are going to have to take their chances.
Dwight McNeil injury update ahead of Man City clash
Although Everton have been seriously impressive from set pieces this season, there is one major issue for the Toffees currently with Dwight McNeil missing through injury.
And the midfielder is the player who has been so important to that set-piece threat with his quality from dead-ball situations.
Speaking on Monday, Dyche admitted McNeil is still a doubt for the trip to the Etihad.
“Dwight is still touch and go. We’re not sure on that, we’re hopeful it’ll settle down, probably not for this one,” Dyche said.
Everton will be coming up against a prepared opposition, with Kyle Walker admitting Man City will train on Christmas Day, which they have not done for years.
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