Everton v Man City: Scoreline Tip

Everton are a funny old side. Always liable to give the biggest teams a run for their money, they look just as likely to stumble against the lesser lights of the Premier League. Tuesday’s visitors Man City certainly fall into the former category, but it looks like something unforeseen will have to happen to cause another upset for the league leaders.

Mancini will welcome back captain and top defender Vincent Kompany with delight. It must feel like an eternity has passed since the Belgian star began his controversial four-match suspension. The league leaders will be missing Mario Balotelli, but City rarely look short of goals when Aguero, Silva and Dzeko take to the pitch.

David Moyes has bigger problems. Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin, Seamus Coleman, Jack Rodwell and Leon Osman are all key players who will be absent. The Scot doesn’t have his opposite number’s strength in depth to call upon either. Injuries are consequently a big reason for the slump of just one Everton league win in the last six outings. On the other hand, for all their Cup woes, the Citizens have still won their last three in the top flight.

Man City are a best price 20/23 (Boylesports) to take the three points at Goodison Park but I think this a good opportunity for a scoreline bet. It’s hard to imagine it won’t be close, but equally Mancini has the quality at his disposal to edge the encounter.

The 1-0 away win is 6/1 (Skybet) but I actually think clean sheets will be hard to come by. The Toffees don’t score many, but they do normally score; in seven of their last eight league games Everton have scored once. I think that trend may continue and a Man City 2-1 win at best odds of 8/1 with Ladbrokes looks advisable.