Everton desperately need to pull out of their slump, but can they manage anything against a streaking Manchester City side?
This is a make-or-break match for Everton. They've lost four straight matches in the league, and too often looked very poor in doing so, including getting shutout three times in that spell, even against often-mediocre Hull City. Roberto Martinez has to be feeling the pressure to get his side's performances turned around as soon as possible, but that is going to be a tough task in this match.
That's because their opponents are Manchester City, who haven't lost in the league since October and beat Everton early in December to really send Everton in to their current tailspin. City's hot run of form has found They're also about to get several excellent players back from injury, with each of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, and Edin Dzeko all possible to play in this match. If even one of them make it back for this match, whatever slim chances Everton has to get their form turned around may go up in smoke.
Key player - David Silva (Manchester City)
With Gareth Barry and James McCarthy struggling for consistent form in Everton's midfield, Silva could be set to have a field day. His ability to float in to spaces and pick out passes to slice apart a defense will be at the heart of Manchester City's designs as they try to keep their run going. If Everton has to find a way to shut down one player above all others, it's SIlva. Of course, that won't be easy, especially with the aforementioned lack of form in midfield. Everton could try having a defender step up to help, but then that runs the risk of exposing other holes for City to take advantage of. Watching how this particular part of the match unfolds will be fascinating.
Key Matchup - Ross Barkley (Everton) vs. Fernandinho (Manchester City)
For all his promise and potential and what success he had last season, this hasn't been such a great campaign for Ross Barkley. He's managed just one goal and one assist on the season after missing the opening weeks with injury, and even when he's been healthy he hasn't had near the impact for Everton that he did a year ago. He's been a little better of late, though, giving Everton fans hope that he's rounding back in to form. The task of blunting that improvement will be given to Fernandinho, with Manchester's defensive midfield maestro running through some pretty good form himself of late. If he can keep Barkley in check, City's job of keeping Everton's attack at bay will be much easier.
Everton injuries and suspensions
Out: Tim Howard (calf), Sylvain Distin (groin), Steven Pienaar (knee), James McCarthy (hamstring), Tony Hibbert (muscular), Leon Osman (ankle), Darren Gibson (knee) In doubt: Leighton Baines (knock)
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: none reported In doubt: Vincent Kompany (calf), Edin Dzeko (calf), Sergio Aguero (knee)
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 3:00 P.M. local, 10:00 A.M. ET
Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
TV: Premier League Extra Time (U.S.), Sportsnet regional networks (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
Source SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1AA8fV8
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