Everton take on Manchester City this Sunday at Goodison Park, hoping to build on last week’s 3-0 win at Southampton.
The Toffees face a huge task in defeating City, who have so far swept aside all in their way, including defending champions Chelsea last weekend.
But Everton have a spring in their step following their perfect away performance on the South Coast.
The home side have had the upper hand in recent meetings with the blue side of Manchester at Goodison Park, here are five reasons why we could see Everton continue that feat, ending City’s 100% start in the process.
1. Barry and McCarthy can stop the ‘Silva Show’.
David Silva has been instrumental for City in their opening two Premier League matches. The reason being he has been allowed too much space and room in and around the penalty area.
But with Gareth Barry and James McCarthy, Everton can make sure one of the two is man-marking the little Spaniard, leaving no pockets of space for him to roam and weave his magic.
That’s easier said than done, but it happened last season, and the partnership formed between both Barry and McCarthy means you can can expect them to both put in a shift to stop the little playmaker, who is arguably Manuel Pellegrini’s biggest asset.
2. Lukaku is on fire.
St. Mary’s witnessed the best Romelu Lukaku performance we have seen since he made his move to Merseyside permanent 12 months ago.
The big Belgian was unplayable as he bullied the Southampton defence in the air, and held the ball up well to spring counter attacks.
His two goals last week were of the highest quality and when he plays like that, no defence in the world can thwart him, not even City’s.
Vincent Kompany hasn’t been tested yet defensively and should new signing Nicolas Otamendi make his City debut, you can be sure Lukaku will give him a robust introduction to the Premier League with a very physical performance.
3. Counter-attack is on point.
Last week saw the best counter-attacking football I have seen played by an Everton team.
Ross Barkley, Arouna Kone and Lukaku were all quick out the blocks, causing real menace to the Saints backline.
The speed in which the Toffees went from defending to attacking was phenomenal, which is a real positive ahead of Sunday.
You can expect City to have a lot of the ball due to the talent on show, but with the pace in Everton’s forward line, you can be sure the home side will have chances.
4. Ross Barkley looks the complete package.
Already matching his goal tally for 14/15, Ross Barkley looks like a defining player in the Everton team this season.
Not afraid to dribble at the defence, the young England international has the strength and vision to pick out a pass. His two goals so far have been absolute scorchers, too.
He will be a handful for whoever plays in the centre of the Manchester City midfield, most likely Fernandinho.
5. Stones will be as determined as ever.
Despite the ongoing Chelsea interest, John Stones seems to be able to put it to bed on match day.
He has been fully focused in both games so far this season and was a rock against Southampton last week.
Keeping Sergio Aguero at bay will be a formidable task, but one I think the Everton defence can handle.
Stones, Galloway and Coleman inject pace into the back line with Jagielka a force in the air.
John Terry of Chelsea and Joleon Lescott of West Bromwich Albion were unable to deal with the sheer speed of the Argentine, but Everton could potentially have the striker in their collective pocket.
