Manchester City Seeks Victory Against Everton To Overcome Recent Slump This Boxing Day

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is optimistic about overcoming their current challenges as they prepare to face Everton at the Etihad Stadium. The defending champions have only secured one victory in their last 12 matches across all competitions, trailing Liverpool by 12 points. Since November, City has accumulated just four league points, the lowest among top-flight teams.

Despite ruling out a title challenge this season, Guardiola is focused on reversing their recent decline after slipping to seventh place. "I learn. They learn. We think about Everton and not much longer than that," he stated. He emphasised the need for resilience, saying, "You lose another game, and you have to think about what to do in the next, to winning."

Guardiola acknowledged the team's past consistency and record-breaking achievements but recognised their current struggles. "Now we are on the other side. That's the truth. We have to find a way," he remarked. He urged his players to embrace the challenge and remain determined despite difficulties.

Meanwhile, Everton enters the match with an unbeaten streak of three games, having kept clean sheets in all of them. They have created a four-point cushion above the relegation zone by holding Arsenal and Chelsea to goalless draws recently. James Tarkowski praised their defensive solidity under Sean Dyche's guidance.

"I feel like under [Sean Dyche], we've been like that [defensively strong] for a lot of the time," Tarkowski said. He highlighted their belief in their approach despite occasional setbacks and noted their strong direction as a team.

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland stands out for Manchester City, having scored in all three of his Premier League appearances against Everton, including a brace in this fixture last season. However, he hasn't found the net in his last three league games at home.

For Everton, Jordan Pickford has been instrumental with more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper this season (seven). Only Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest have conceded fewer goals than Everton's 21 this season.

Historical Context and Predictions

Historically, Manchester City has dominated recent encounters with Everton at home, remaining unbeaten in their last 13 meetings (W8 D5). They have also excelled on Boxing Day fixtures, winning six of their last seven Premier League matches on this day.

The Opta win probability suggests Manchester City has a 73.7% chance of victory against Everton's 11%. Despite City's recent struggles with nine losses in 12 games across competitions, Everton faces an uphill battle given their poor record against City.

Pep Guardiola faces one of his most challenging seasons as manager with nine defeats already recorded this campaign. However, Everton remains hopeful due to their unbeaten run in Boxing Day away games since 2005 and a previous victory over reigning champions Leicester on this day in 2016.