Everton vs Manchester City Prediction and Analysis
The Premier League clash between Everton and Manchester City promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend on October 18, 2025. The Toffees will host the reigning champions at Goodison Park in a match that could define their momentum heading into the second quarter of the season.
Latest Team News and Line-Ups
Everton enter the match battling inconsistency. After a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Brentford, Sean Dyche’s men are searching for a result that can lift them out of mid-table mediocrity. Injuries remain a concern: Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a doubt due to a hamstring strain, while Dwight McNeil and Dele Alli are still sidelined. Expect a defensive setup with James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite anchoring the back line, and Abdoulaye Doucouré driving the midfield transitions.
Manchester City, meanwhile, continue to dominate under Pep Guardiola. The Citizens sit comfortably near the top of the table after their 3–1 win over Aston Villa. Erling Haaland remains the main threat, having already reached double figures in goals. Kevin De Bruyne is likely to start after recovering from a minor knock, while Rodri returns from suspension. Guardiola may rotate slightly, with Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku providing pace and width.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical data heavily favors Manchester City. In their last ten meetings, City have won eight, with two draws and no defeats. The most recent encounter ended 3–0 to City at the Etihad, with Haaland scoring twice. Everton have not beaten City since 2017 — a daunting streak that underscores the gulf in quality between the squads.
Form and Statistics
Everton currently hover around 12th in the Premier League table, with 11 points from 9 matches. They’ve scored only 9 goals, highlighting their offensive struggles. At home, Everton’s form has been poor — just one win in their last five at Goodison Park.
Manchester City sit 2nd in the standings with 22 points, boasting a league-best attack with 26 goals scored and only 8 conceded. They’ve won four of their last five away games and remain unbeaten in their previous eight competitive fixtures across all competitions.
Tactical Analysis and Key Battles
Sean Dyche’s Everton will likely set up in a compact 4-4-2 shape, aiming to frustrate City’s rhythm and rely on counter-attacks through Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma. Their physical approach in midfield could trouble City early on, especially through Doucouré’s energy and pressing.
Guardiola’s City, on the other hand, will stick to their flexible 3-2-4-1 structure. Rodri will anchor midfield while De Bruyne operates between the lines. Haaland vs Tarkowski will be the headline duel, while Foden’s creativity could stretch Everton’s defensive shape. City’s overlapping full-backs — particularly Walker — may exploit spaces behind Everton’s wide midfielders.
Key Players to Watch
Everton: Doucouré, Tarkowski, Pickford
Manchester City: Haaland, De Bruyne, Foden
Prediction and Betting Tips
Everton’s defensive resilience could keep them competitive for stretches, but City’s class and attacking depth are likely to prevail. Guardiola’s men have been relentless in maintaining possession and converting chances, and that trend should continue here.
Predicted Score: Everton 0–3 Manchester City
Betting Insights
- Manchester City to win: Strongly favored
- Over 2.5 goals: Recommended
- Both teams to score: No
- Anytime goalscorer: Erling Haaland