As Boxing Day arrives, football fans prepare for a Premier League clash between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad Stadium. Scheduled for December 26, 2024, at 06:00 PM IST, this fixture is crucial for both sides. Under Pep Guardiola, City sits in an unusual seventh place, much different from their championship form last season. Their recent struggles make this game against Everton all the more important.
Everton, managed by Sean Dyche, also faces challenges, as they’re currently 15th in the league. They too haven’t been on form, but their recent draws with Arsenal and Chelsea show they can put up a good fight. City’s Erling Haaland is still a goal machine, while Everton relies heavily on Dominic Calvert-Lewin for their attacks. With City’s occasional defensive slip-ups and Everton’s quest for scoring consistency, we’re in for an exciting match as both teams look to ignite their seasons.
Manchester City vs Everton Prediction & Betting Tip
In this Boxing Day matchup, Manchester City is seen as the favorite, largely due to their home advantage with odds at 1.33 for a win. Despite their recent lapses, City’s deep roster and talent give them an edge over Everton. The betting odds also suggest that City’s attack might exploit Everton’s defense. However, there’s also a chance for Everton to surprise with a performance amidst City’s current struggles. Still, most predictions support Manchester City getting back to winning ways. Their home comforts and Guardiola’s tactics are seen as key to reclaiming form.
| Manchester City vs Everton Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Manchester City to win | 1.33 |
Manchester City vs Everton Odds
Looking at the odds for this match, Manchester City is the predicted winner due to their superior players and history in the league. City’s odds for winning at home stand at 1.33, showing favor despite recent struggles. Everton has longer odds to win at 8.87, emphasizing the difficulty they face. A draw is priced at 5.38, indicating a balanced contest possibility if both teams’ current forms match up. The goal-scoring forecast is moderate, with over 3.5 goals priced at 2.36, suggesting the potential of an attacking or well-defended match by Everton. Odds for both teams scoring are at 1.85.
| Manchester City vs Everton Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Manchester City Win | 1.33 |
| Draw | 5.38 |
| Everton Win | 8.87 |
| Over 3.5 Goals | 2.36 |
| Both Teams to Score (Yes) | 1.85 |
Manchester City vs Everton Live Streaming: Premier League
The Manchester City vs Everton match will take place at Old Trafford on December 26, starting at 6:00 PM IST. For fans looking to watch the match, Star Sports Network is the official broadcast partner for Premier League matches in India, and the live telecast of the game will be available on the Star Sports Select HD and SD channels. Also, fans can access the live streaming of the Premier League 2024-25 matches, including Manchester City vs Everton, on Disney+ Hotstar.
Manchester City Team Analysis
Manchester City Recent Performance
Manchester City’s recent form has raised eyebrows. They’re uncharacteristically struggling, with only one win in their last five games. They’ve recorded one victory, one draw, and three losses. Significant losses include those against Manchester United. Their current seventh place is a stark drop from being league champions last season. In their last five matches, they’ve scored 7 goals, aided by Haaland’s influence, but conceded 8, pointing to their defensive issues. Yet, they hold an average of 55% possession, showing control but struggling in execution against top teams.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | Manchester City | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Man. City | Manchester United | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Juventus | Manchester City | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Crystal Palace | Manchester City | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Man. City | Nottingham Forest | 3-0 (Win) |
Manchester City Key Players
Erling Haaland is the key figure in City’s attack, leading as their top scorer with 13 league goals. Kevin De Bruyne, the midfield wizard, sets the game’s pace and creates opportunities. In defense, Manuel Akanji is vital, although his participation is in question due to injury. Backup keeper Stefan Ortega may start for Ederson, who is doubtful. Phil Foden, adaptable and creative, strengthens the link between midfield and attack. Savinho and Jérémy Doku fuel the wings with their creativity. Guardiola is also looking toward Josko Gvardiol to enhance defense with aerial strength and calmness.
Manchester City Suspensions & Injuries
Several injury setbacks challenge Manchester City’s ambitions. Midfielder Rodri is out for the season with a ligament injury, destabilizing midfield balance. Oscar Bobb is absent due to a broken leg, with a return expected in early 2025. Key defenders Ruben Dias and John Stones are injured and will return in mid-January 2025. Keeper Ederson is doubtful due to illness. Manuel Akanji and Matheus Nunes are also questionable due to knocks. With Nathan Aké’s hamstring issue resolving by January 2025, City’s defense is currently tested.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Oscar Bobb | Broken leg | Early January 2025 |
| Rodri | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Ruben Dias | Calf injury | Mid January 2025 |
| Ederson | Illness | Doubtful |
| John Stones | Foot injury | Mid January 2025 |
| Matheus Nunes | Knock | Doubtful |
| Manuel Akanji | Knock | Doubtful |
| Nathan Aké | Hamstring injury | Early January 2025 |
Manchester City Tactics and Formation
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City usually plays a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on possession and quick interplays. Foden and De Bruyne control the midfield, keeping the game flowing. Haaland, leading the charge, remains a major threat in front of the goal. Josko Gvardiol strengthens the defense, working with talent like Rico Lewis. The wings feature Doku and Savinho, providing width and attacking options. Guardiola prioritizes high pressing and smooth transitions, crucial in unsettling opponents and maintaining dominance, using this approach to breach Everton’s sturdy defense.
Everton Team Analysis
Everton Recent Performance
Everton has leaned into defensive solidity recently, earning them critical draws against Chelsea and Arsenal. Their last five outings include two draws and a victory, with the rest ending in losses. They’ve managed to score 4 goals, though improving their attack remains a goal. Defensively, they have noteworthy clean sheets, indicating a resolute mindset under Dyche. Everton grabbed a significant 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. They’ve retained a reputation for being hard to break down, shown by three clean sheets recently. Enhancing offensive output remains a focus.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Everton | Chelsea | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Arsenal | Everton | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Everton | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 4-0 (Win) |
| Manchester United | Everton | 4-0 (Loss) |
| Everton | Brentford | 0-0 (Draw) |
Everton Key Players
Keeper Jordan Pickford offers Everton steady leadership with his shot-stopping skills. Dominic Calvert-Lewin heads the attack, poised to exploit City’s defensive weaknesses. In defense, James Tarkowski is pivotal, offering organizational strength and aerial ability. Midfield presence Idrissa Gueye brings pace and disrupts opponents. Kelly Gago, a new signee, adds flair to their attack. Iliman Ndiaye enhances their forward play with speed on the wings. Orel Mangala’s defensive midfield role is key in blunting City’s attack while supporting Everton’s counters.
Everton Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries continue to pose challenges for Everton. Tim Iroegbunam, facing a foot problem, is eyeing a January return. James Garner deals with a back injury and aims for a comeback early next year. Crucially, Dwight McNeil’s knee injury sees him out until late January 2025. Youssef Chermiti, with a foot injury, hopes to return late December 2024, potentially bolstering the attack. Calvert-Lewin’s fitness needs cautious management due to his vital offensive role, making squad rotation critical.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Iroegbunam | Foot injury | Early January 2025 |
| James Garner | Back injury | Early January 2025 |
| Dwight McNeil | Knee injury | Late January 2025 |
| Youssef Chermiti | Foot injury | Late December 2024 |
Everton Tactics and Formation
Sean Dyche is known for his defensive tactics, likely setting up Everton in a focused 4-3-3 formation. Their strategy focuses on tight defense, staying disciplined and tracking key threats. Defensive leaders Tarkowski and Branthwaite form a solid backline against City’s fluid attacks. Everton mixes pressing with fast counters, using flanks to push ahead. Their midfield supports defense while launching quick offensive moves to utilize their quick-thinking forward line of Ndiaye, Calvert-Lewin, and Harrison. This approach aims to absorb pressure and exploit spaces, a strategic route to success against their skilled hosts.
Manchester City vs Everton Head-to-Head Statistics
In past matchups, Manchester City has the advantage over Everton, maintaining a 15-game unbeaten streak. City won 13 of these encounters, showcasing their dominance. A recent 2-0 win last February continues this trend. Their success comes from robust football strategies that overcome Everton’s best. City’s 3-1 victory in December 2023 reflects their sustained upper hand. Since their last loss to Everton in 2017, City has effectively managed to thwart Everton’s efforts. Both teams have scored at times, but City often outperforms Everton, highlighting their historical edge.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | Everton | 2-0 (Win) |
| Everton | Manchester City | 1-3 (Win) |
| Everton | Manchester City | 0-3 (Win) |
| Manchester City | Everton | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Everton | Manchester City | 0-1 (Win) |
Venue and Weather
The Boxing Day game is set at Etihad Stadium, home ground for Manchester City, known for its electric atmosphere and excellent pitch. The stadium supports City’s aspirations with a home advantage. On December 26, 2024, the weather forecast indicates typical Manchester winter conditions with temperatures around 7.51°C. This weather is comfortable for energetic play. Overcast skies will provide good visibility without sun glare, helping players concentrate. Low wind ensures the ball movement remains consistent, allowing teams to execute their game plans without weather disruptions. Fans can expect spirited Premier League football in this iconic arena.
