Everton's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last time out ended a four-game winning streak that had lifted Sean Dyche's men out of the relegation zone.
It means the Merseyside club head into their home match against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in a stronger run of form than Pep Guardiola's men, who have drawn four and won just one of their past six fixtures.
City are back in Premier League action after their sojourn at the FIFA Club World Cup and will aim to claw back some of their deficit to pacesetters Liverpool and Arsenal.
BET: Everton vs. Man City latest odds on DraftKings
The Sporting News previews the game below with our prediction and best bets.
MORE: English Premier League table 2023/24: Updated EPL standings
Everton vs Man City match facts
- Date: Wednesday, December 27, 2023
- Kickoff time: 8:15 p.m. local (3:15 p.m. ET / 12:15 p.m. PT)
- Location: Goodison Park (Liverpool, England)
- Last meeting: Everton 0-3 Man City (May 14, 2023 | Premier League)
Everton vs Man City prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Man City (-175)
- Score prediction: Everton 1-2 Man City
| EVE win | Draw | MCI win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings (USA) | +500 | +320 | +175 | -130 / -105 | -140 / +100 |
*Odds correct as on December 27.
Everton vs Man City best bet
- Pick: Under 2.5 goals scored
- Odds: +100 (DraftKings)
It always feels slightly foolish to bet against City scoring handsomely, especially after they swatted aside Fluminense 4-0 in the Club World Cup final despite missing the cutting edge of Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne.
Nevertheless, a game against an in-form Everton at a fired-up Goodison Park feels like the sort of contest where Haaland's absence might be more keenly felt. The Norwegian superstar scored in both matches against the Toffees last season.
Throw in each team's recent form and a cagey, closely contested affair is to be expected, with City dominating the ball but Goodison exploding into life whenever Dyche's men look to land a blow on their illustrious opponents.
Everton vs Man City prop bet
- Pick: Phil Foden to score anytime
- Odds: +180 (DraftKings)
City losing De Bruyne to hamstring surgery and Riyad Mahrez to the Saudi Pro League left Guardiola without two reliable and prolific providers of goal contributions from attacking midfield and the right wing.
For the first half of this season, Phil Foden has been his best player in both of those positions. The England star forced an own goal before scoring the game-sealing third in the Club World Cup final, taking him on to eight goals and six assists in all competitions this term.
Foden scored the only goal in a tense 1-0 win at Goodison in February 2022. He might be the man to step up in a similar game this time around.
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