Underperforming Everton to struggle vs. Man City
Is there ever a good time to face Manchester City? Everton host the champions who are fresh off an 8-0 thrashing of Watford last weekend. Can the Toffees cause an upset or will Pep’s men be simply too good? Have a read of our preview here:
That’s how to respond
There were a number of doom merchants suggesting that Pep Guardiola had to go after his side’s recent shock defeat at Carrow Road. Well, it would be interesting to know whether those same people still want to see the City manager leave following their thumping display against Watford.
In an incredible show of dominance, the Citizens were five-nil up at the break and cruised to the points in a display akin to them at their very best. To be ahead by five goals after only 18 minutes just highlights how far ahead of the pack they can be when on their game.
De Bruyne and Bernado Silva were unplayable and Everton face a tough task containing them. Even with some problems at the back City look impressive. Not many teams could cope with an injury to star man Aymeric Laporte and it remains to be seen if City can keep up with Liverpool while not having the Frenchman available but the win over Watford will put the Norwich defeat well and truly behind them.
Another false dawn for Everton
There is no way Everton should be struggling yet the opening to the 2019/20 campaign has been hugely underwhelming. They have been unable to put together any sort of form and it is clear where they are going wrong.
When you delve into the stats, the Toffees have had the eighth-most (13.2) shots per game in the Premier League, only converting five of them.
That is right, Everton have managed just five goals all season – as many as City took just 18 minutes to bag in their win last weekend.
Marco Silva has his work cut out. Last weekend Everton couldn’t find a way past Sheffield United at Goodison Park yet had 16 attempts at goal and this is not the first time. Their xG (expected goals) rates them around 10th in the division which suggests they are being wasteful and should really have scored a couple more at least.
They will be looking at the progress the Leicester City have made, who take on Newcastle on Sunday, and be rightly expecting to keep pace but the Toffees have made a slow start.
If this trend continues, Silva’s job could be at risk. That may be a little premature but in the modern era, there is no room for sentiment and if Watford are anything to go by, patience is also a commodity that has little use in top-flight football.
Everton v Manchester City betting tip
With Everton shipping goals and City in rampant form, there is little value in backing the visitors to win this game but backing it to finish with over 2.5 goals at odds of 1/2 is well worth a flutter.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Everton were no match in the end for the Champions but they did at least score in a 3-1 defeat that brought this bet home.