Everton look to avoid three consecutive Premier League defeats when they welcome title-chasing Manchester City to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.
The Toffees lost 2-1 to West Ham United last weekend, while City outclassed Southampton 2-1 to reach the FA Cup final.
Match Preview
Everton have exceeded expectations under David Moyes, as they are battling to secure European football next season.
However, recent results have been far from encouraging for the Blues.
After the 2-2 draw at Brentford, Everton lost the Merseyside derby to Liverpool following an injury-time winner from Virgil van Dijk.
They suffered a similar fate last weekend against West Ham, conceding a stoppage-time goal to return empty handed from the London Stadium.
Despite back-to-back losses, Everton are just four points behind Brentford, who have played an extra game.
Moyes’ personal record against Pep Guardiola makes for grim reading, as the Spaniard has won 12 of the previous 15 league meetings against the Scottish boss.
After their early struggles, Man City have made a massive comeback during the second-half of the season.
Their domestic treble dreams are still alive, having won the Carabao Cup and reaching the final of the FA Cup.
The Citizens haven’t lost in the Premier League since the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United in January.
Team News
Everton remain without Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite, with the duo unlikely to play again this season.
But Moyes will be boosted by the return of Beto, who has completed concussion protocol after taking a blow to the head against Liverpool.
Rodri is closing in on a return to action for City, but since he hadn’t trained before Friday, his availability for the away fixture is doubtful.
Defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias haven’t recovered from their injury issues and will be missing on Monday.
Everton vs Manchester City potential line-ups
Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Silva, Gonzalez; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland
Everton vs Manchester City prediction
Man City will be at their full strength, but they will likely find it difficult against Everton.
The Toffees were unlucky to lose against Liverpool and West Ham. They could bounce back to pick up a draw against City.
Everton 1-1 Manchester City