Manchester City will be looking to put pressure on Arsenal for a third place finish in the Premier League race as they take on an in form Everton at Goodison Park. City currently trail the Gunners by 5 points with a game in hand and will be looking to take advantage of Arsenal’s poor form over the past few games to close the gap on them. Everton, however have only lost one of their previous nine games and will be buoyed by the recent return of Tim Cahill and Mikael Arteta.
Everton Form: W D W W L D
Manchester City Form: W L W L W W
Everton Team News:
Defender Johny Heitinga is expected to be available for selection.
Louis Saha and Marouane Fellaini’s attacking presence will be missed, both having been ruled out for the last few weeks of the season.
Manchester City Team News:
Defender Micah Richards could be handed a place on the bench by Roberto Mancini after a six week layoff with a hamstring injury.
Pablo Zabaleta and Nigel de Jong have recovered from minor knocks and should be available for selection.
Carlos Tevez remains unavailable till the end of the season, which might very well be his last with the Eastlanders.
Manchester City seem to have picked up a bit of form and will be looking for nothing less than three points against The Toffees, having put in an impressive performance against West Ham United last time out. City, however, have been inconsistent and Everton, who have had an average season, and their manager David Moyes will have enough pride on the line to go for a win having won their last encounter 2-1.
Men to watch:
David Silva: The Spanish international has been one of the least appreciated players of the season, with Roberto Mancini preferring a relatively conservative style of play. However, with the Eastlanders growing in confidence, a more attacking style of play seems to be developing with David Silva at the heart of it. Silva has been the key to unlock several defences with his silky runs, most recently against West Ham United and will be keen to improve his standing in the Premier League.
Yaya Toure: The man who put Man City into the finals of the FA cup has been on song for City and has powered his way from midfield to notch up an impressive tally for himself. Will be looking to score again.
Leighton Baines: In a season which has done no harm to his reputation, Leighton Baines will be looking to hurt Manchester City and ad to his impressive 5 goals and 11 assists as a defender. Can also deliver lethal free kicks and would want to improve his rating ahead of the summer transfer window.
Tags: David Silva, EPL, Everton, Football, Leighton Baines, Manchester City, Premier League, Preview, Yaya Toure