Overview
When Arsenal's four-time dream shattered, Manchester City's three-time prospect became increasingly clear.
With the Carabao Cup in hand, Pep Guardiola's team is also highly appreciated before the FA Cup final against Chelsea. Besides, they still have the right to self-determination in the Premier League title race.
Although entering the upcoming match with a 6-point gap from Arsenal, Man City - who still have 2 unmatched matches - still has a basis to be confident thanks to their stable performance characteristic of the end of the season. They have won 6 consecutive matches in all competitions and only conceded 2 goals in this series of matches.
Guardiola's team had to struggle to overcome Burnley 1-0 in the Premier League and defeat Southampton 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-finals, but the important thing is that they still maintained their winning streak. Currently, Man City is unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches in the domestic league.
Since the unexpected 0-2 defeat to Manchester United in January, Man City has significantly improved their away form by winning 14 points in the last 6 matches - almost equal to the total points of the previous 11 away trips.
In the confrontations between Guardiola and David Moyes, the gap is very clear. The Man City coach has never lost in 15 Premier League encounters with Moyes, with 12 wins and 3 draws.
In the opposite direction, Everton entered the match with declining form. After a 5-match streak of winning 10 points, Moyes' team lost 2 consecutive matches with the same score of 1-2, both due to late goals conceded.
Virgil van Dijk's goal in the 90+10 minute in the derby against Liverpool, along with Callum Wilson's goal in the 90+2 minute for West Ham, caused Everton to fall to the bottom half of the table and weakened their ambition to participate in European cups.
However, Everton still has a chance to catch up with the top group if they create a surprise, especially when they have never lost 3 consecutive matches in the Premier League this season.
However, head-to-head history does not favor the home team at Goodison Park. Everton has not won against Man City in the last 17 Premier League encounters, while The Citizens have also won all in the last 8 away games against this opponent.
Personnel situation
Pep Guardiola revealed at a press conference that Rodri is recovering better after a groin injury. However, the Spanish midfielder has not returned to training, leaving his ability to play in this match still open.
In case Rodri cannot reappear, Nico Gonzalez is likely to continue to be trusted after an impressive performance. This player just scored a goal from a distance of 30m in the FA Cup semi-finals - the longest goal of a Man City player this season.
In defense, Josko Gvardiol (calf) and Ruben Dias ( thigh) are still absent. However, Guardiola's force in general still ensures depth, with the return of key players such as Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Bernardo Silva in the starting lineup.
On Everton's side, Jack Grealish - a player loaned from Man City - is not eligible to play against his club, and will also be out for the rest of the season after foot surgery.
In addition to Grealish, Everton only lacks Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring injury). Conversely, David Moyes welcomed good news when Beto completed the brain concussion test and is ready to return.
Expected lineup:
Pickford, O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Garner, Gueye, McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.
Man City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly, Silva, Gonzalez, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.
The match between Everton and Man City takes place at 2:00 AM on May 5 (Vietnam time).
