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Pep Guardiola faces late fitness decisions for Boxing Day as Manchester City prepares to host Everton. John Stones, Matheus Nunes, and Ederson remain uncertain for the match. Stones was substituted at half-time during the recent loss to Aston Villa due to a recurring foot injury, while Ederson and Nunes were absent from the squad last weekend.
On the other hand, Everton’s Dwight McNeil is expected to miss the game as he manages a knee injury that sidelined him against Chelsea. Ashley Young will serve a one-match suspension, but Armando Broja is available after missing the previous match against his parent club.
Key Match Facts
Head-to-Head
- Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 15 games against Everton in all competitions, winning 13 of those encounters.
- Everton have managed only one win in their previous 22 Premier League meetings, suffering 12 defeats in the last 13.
- The Toffees last won an away league match at the Etihad 14 years ago with a 2-1 victory.
- Everton’s most recent triumph in this fixture was a commanding 4-0 win at Goodison Park in January 2017.
Manchester City
- City have endured a tough run, losing nine of their last 12 games in all competitions, equaling the number of defeats they suffered in their prior 112 games.
- Their lone victory during this spell was a 3-0 home win against Nottingham Forest on December 4.
- Since November, Manchester City have earned a league-low four points.
- The Citizens have a strong Boxing Day record, winning all seven home matches since 2002 by an aggregate score of 24-7.
- Despite facing the fewest shots (158) in the Premier League this season, City have conceded a league-high 15% shot-to-goal conversion rate.
Everton
- Everton have lost just two of their last 12 Premier League matches but have struggled against higher-placed teams.
- All three of their league victories this season came against teams below them in the table.
- The Toffees are undefeated in their last eight Boxing Day away matches, with their last loss in 2005 (4-0 to Aston Villa).
- However, Everton have only one win in their last 19 Premier League away fixtures, a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town in October.
- They have kept seven clean sheets since October, more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues, and have not conceded in five of their last six league games.
- Everton’s struggles in attack are highlighted by their 6% shot conversion rate, the lowest in the league, and they have failed to score in nine matches this season.
Players to Watch
- Manchester City: The availability of Stones, Nunes, and Ederson could play a pivotal role in City’s ability to stabilize their current form.
- Everton: Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in dire need of a breakthrough, having failed to score in his last 12 Premier League appearances.
This Boxing Day encounter offers contrasting storylines: Manchester City will look to regain momentum at home, while Everton aims to maintain their solid defensive record. Can City’s Boxing Day dominance continue, or will the Toffees produce a festive upset?
