On Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 7:30 AM ET, Premier League fans can look forward to an exhilarating match as Manchester City, currently positioned seventh in the league, prepares to face off against Everton FC, who sit in 15th place. This match is set to be a captivating encounter, showcasing two teams experiencing contrasting fortunes in the current season. Football enthusiasts can catch the live action on Universo.
Manchester City enters this match with the intention of bouncing back from a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa during their last outing. In that match, City managed to take 12 shots, narrowly outpacing Villa in terms of attempts, but ultimately fell short. The only goal for City came from young talent Philip Walter Foden, who provided a brief spark of hope in an otherwise challenging game.
On the other hand, Everton will aim to capitalize on their recent performance, which resulted in a goalless draw against Arsenal on December 14. Despite having only two attempts on goal compared to Arsenal's 12, Everton's defense held strong to secure a valuable point on the road. Midfielder Harrison Armstrong will be crucial in driving Everton’s attacking creativity as they prepare for this demanding matchup.
Injury Updates and Team News
For Manchester City, several key players are sidelined due to injuries. Rúben Dias, Rodri, Matheus Nunes, and Oscar Bobb will not feature in the match, while John Stones was substituted at halftime in his first appearance since November 23. Nathan Aké, who has been absent for the last four matches, might make a return to bolster Pep Guardiola's defensive options. Goalkeeper Ederson did not travel to Birmingham due to a minor injury, leading to Stefan Ortega Moreno starting four of the last five Premier League matches. Additionally, Kevin De Bruyne is expected to return to the lineup alongside Foden, who recently scored his first goal of the season. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva risks missing the next match if he receives a yellow card.
For Everton, the absence of Dwight McNeil has greatly impacted their creative play, and the team is hopeful for his quick return. Strikers Broja and Beto are competing fiercely for the starting position alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Defensively, Everton appears stable, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in excellent form.
Injury List for Everton:
- OUT: Timothy Iroegbunam (ankle), James Garner (back)
- QUESTIONABLE: Dwight McNeil (knee)
Match Prediction
The prediction for this matchup leans towards Manchester City taking control early in the game, with Erling Haaland expected to find the net and set the tone for the match. Although the challenge will not be easy, it is anticipated that City will return to winning ways, with a predicted score of 2-0 in favor of Manchester City.
Viewing Information
- Match Day: Thursday, December 26, 2024
- Match Time: 7:30 AM ET
- TV Channel: USA Network
- Stadium: Etihad Stadium
- Live Streaming: Viewers can enjoy the match live on Fubo.
Related News and Insights
This match is part of a busy holiday period for Premier League teams, and the stakes are high as clubs vie for crucial points. As the season progresses, fans will be keeping a close eye on the standings and how each team's form evolves. Stay tuned for updates on match outcomes, player performances, and upcoming fixtures as the Premier League continues to deliver thrilling football action.
Zainab Y.
Also on site :
- Who won Irish Grand National 2025? Full results, fallers and finishing order for 5.00 Fairyhouse race
- New York Jets make $50million NFL Draft decision as focus shifts following doomed Aaron Rodgers experiment
- America (and I) went on a pre-tariff splurge in March