Why This Match Matters for Both Teams
The Premier League intensifies this Saturday as Everton welcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to Goodison Park for a crucial fixture that carries significant implications for both ends of the table. While City continue their relentless pursuit of another top-two finish and potential Champions League glory, Everton are clawing for every point to secure safety and maintain momentum in the final stretch of the campaign. This match isn’t just a meeting of styles—it’s a clash of ambitions, with two sides facing vastly different pressures.
With the end of the 2024/25 season looming, every result counts. For City, this game represents an opportunity to reinforce their dominance, despite a mounting injury list. For the Toffees, it’s about protecting home turf, possibly earning a massive result to fuel belief among fans, and sending a message that Goodison Park still commands respect.
Overview of the Fixture
Set to kick off on Saturday, April 19, 2025, this early match (07:00 AM PDT / 3:00 PM BST) is a must-watch. While City enter as strong favorites, their depleted squad may open the door for an upset. Goodison Park, soon to be retired as Everton’s historic home, will be electric, with supporters eager to see their side challenge one of the league’s elite.
Team News and Injury Updates
Everton’s Injury Concerns
David Moyes faces a few selection dilemmas as Everton prepare for one of their toughest tests of the season. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains sidelined, a major blow given his aerial prowess and physicality. Jesper Lindstrom is out following hernia surgery, and Orel Mangala has been ruled out with an ACL injury that could keep him sidelined into the next campaign.
However, there is some relief with Dwight McNeil returning to training this week. Though unlikely to start, he could feature from the bench to provide a much-needed attacking spark. The midfield will rely heavily on Idrissa Gueye and James Garner to hold their shape and frustrate City’s build-up play.
Manchester City’s Lineup Challenges
Pep Guardiola’s squad, though stacked with talent, is currently experiencing a serious injury crunch. Star striker Erling Haaland, midfield anchor Rodri, and defender John Stones are all unavailable. Adding to their woes, first-choice goalkeeper Ederson is out with a groin injury, meaning Stefan Ortega is expected to start between the posts.
Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Kevin De Bruyne have all recently returned to training, but questions remain about their match fitness. With City managing both Premier League and European competition schedules, Guardiola may opt for rotation, relying on young talents like Oscar Bobb and Savinho to fill key roles.
Predicted Lineups
Everton (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski (C), Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko
- Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye, James Garner; Jack Harrison, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Iliman Ndiaye
- Forward: Armando Broja
Despite being underdogs, Everton’s physical and disciplined formation is built to contain City’s attacking threats and hit on the break.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega
- Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis
- Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes; James McAtee, Kevin De Bruyne (C), Savinho
- Forward: Omar Marmoush
This City lineup might lack some star names but still boasts technical brilliance and enough depth to pose serious danger to any opponent.
Head-to-Head Record
Recent Meetings Between the Sides
Historically, Manchester City have had the upper hand over Everton in recent years. In their last 10 meetings, City have won 8, with 2 draws and no defeats. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 2-0 in favor of Guardiola’s side, showcasing their dominance in possession and execution.
Key Stats and Trends
- Manchester City have scored 23 goals in their last 10 matches against Everton.
- Everton’s last home win against City came in 2017 (a 4-0 thrashing).
- Both teams have scored in just 3 of their last 10 encounters.
- City have kept clean sheets in their last three visits to Goodison Park.
Tactical Preview
How Everton Can Threaten City
For Everton, the key lies in pressing City high when possible and using their midfield to disrupt City’s rhythm. With Calvert-Lewin out, Armando Broja’s pace and strength will be vital on counters. The Toffees must make set-pieces count, where Tarkowski and Branthwaite could exploit City’s vulnerability without Stones or Akanji fully fit.
Moyes’ setup is likely to be pragmatic—compact lines, zonal defending, and a heavy focus on frustrating City through midfield congestion and physical duels. Doucoure’s late runs and Gueye’s tenacity will be critical in transitions.
Guardiola’s Likely Tactical Approach
Despite the injuries, Guardiola’s approach won’t change much. Expect high possession, overlapping full-backs, and inverted wingers to stretch Everton’s backline. With De Bruyne pulling the strings, City will look to dominate midfield and create overloads on the flanks.
Phil Foden, if fit, could be a difference-maker, but even without him, youngsters like McAtee and Savinho offer pace and unpredictability. Ortega’s distribution from the back will also be key in bypassing Everton’s press.
