Everton take on Manchester City next Monday – and Pep Guardiola has made an interesting call ahead of the contest.
The Toffees were beaten 2-1 by West Ham United at London Stadium on Saturday, and are looking to bounce back quickly.
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With the likes of Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth all in decent form, David Moyes’ side can ill afford too many more slip-ups.
But fixtures don’t come much tougher than what’s next for Everton.
It’s Manchester City up next at the Hill Dickinson Stadium – and they’re looking to win the Premier League title.
But Guardiola is making an interesting move ahead of his first trip to Hill Dickinson.
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Pep Guardiola gives Man City players three days off ahead of Everton clash
Everton will have to be at their absolute best to take points off City, who are always so relentless, it seems, at this point in the season.
They’re chasing down Arsenal, and could actually be six points behind by the time this game rolls around, with the Gunners playing against Fulham on Saturday evening.
Interestingly, Guardiola has made the decision to hand his players three days off this week.
He said (via ESPN): “We have eight days until we go to Liverpool to play against Everton.
“They can do whatever they want. If they want to travel to wherever, they are completely free. As long as they arrive back on Wednesday afternoon for training.
“I’ve learned in this country, as much [sic] days off [as you have], the team plays better.
“Managers believe as much [as] you train, you play better, but I’m completely the opposite. You have to train, of course, but you also have to arrive fresh in the moment of the game. I’ve learned that.
“In the beginning I trained a lot, but now it’s home and quality time.”
It’s an intriguing move by Guardiola, as he seeks to get his squad into the best physical condition possible ahead of a hectic end to the season.
But there is also the notion for Everton that City may come to the game lacking the sharpness that training undoubtedly ensures.
And it City do show even small signs of rust in the first knockings of the game next Monday, then Everton have to capitalise.
There have been mixed fortunes at Hill Dickinson this season, but the crowd have created a brilliant atmosphere in recent home matches and hopefully this can inspire the Toffees players against City.
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