Manchester City welcomes Everton to the Etihad Stadium following the international break, aiming to continue their resurgence after a stuttering start to the season. The hosts are overwhelming favourites, boasting a strong seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions and an exceptional home record against the Toffees. Everton, despite a morale-boosting late win over Crystal Palace before the break, face a significant hurdle with key on-loan attacker Jack Grealish ineligible to play against his parent club. David Moyes’ side will need a defensive masterclass to secure a result, while City’s in-form striker Erling Haaland looms as the biggest threat.
The bookmakers heavily favour a Manchester City Win, generally priced around 1.35 (4/11), reflecting the gap in quality and City’s dominance in this fixture (unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League meetings). A draw is typically around 4.75 (15/4), and a shock Everton win is priced at a lengthy 7.50 (13/2).
Given City’s return to form and Everton’s struggles away from home, the value may lie in the handicap and goals markets. City’s recent victories have often been controlled rather than goal-laden, and Everton’s attack is significantly blunted by Grealish’s absence.
Betting Picks:
Main Bet: Manchester City to Win and Under 3.5 Goals: Priced around 1.65 (4/6). This combines the high probability of a City victory with the likelihood of a managed scoreline, as Everton will likely sit deep.
Value Pick: Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer: The Norwegian continues his astonishing form, with 19 goals in 12 appearances for club and country this season. Odds around 1.53 (8/15) make this a solid pick despite the short price.
Alternative: Manchester City 2-0 Everton: A reasonable outside value bet at odds of approximately 11/2. This scoreline aligns with a controlled City win and Everton’s limited attacking threat.
