Chris Sutton predicts result of Everton clash v Manchester City in Premier League for BBC Sport
Chris Sutton has predicted that Everton will be edged out 2-1 by Premier League champions Manchester City at Goodison Park on Sunday (14 May).
The Toffees claimed a massive three points in their fight against relegation with an utterly dominant 5-1 victory against Brighton on the south coast, leaving them two points above the drop zone with three games of their season remaining.
Despite predicting that Sean Dyche’s side would fall to defeat against Manchester City in his weekly column for BBC Sport, Sutton admitted that they would still survive relegation, with Leicester City and Leeds United dropping into the Championship alongside Southampton.
“Everton boss Sean Dyche played a tactical blinder in his side’s big win at Brighton in the way they sat in, playing very narrow, and then hit them with quick counter-attacks,” he wrote.
“I can see Dyche doing the same this time, because they carry a real threat on the break. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is looking stronger now – that Brighton game was his fourth start in a row after an injury-hit season – while Dwight McNeil had a stormer against the Seagulls.
“It’s quite an obvious thing to say but I think the first goal will be absolutely crucial. City should still have enough quality to win, even with one eye on the Real tie, but Everton could make it extremely difficult for them.
“As for Everton, my choice of who goes down with Southampton changes every week but that win at Amex Stadium was massive for the Toffees.
“They finish their season at Wolves then at home to Bournemouth. Even if they lose to City, I think they can win one of those games and 35 points might be enough.
“At the moment I am going with Leicester and Leeds to be relegated, but ask me again next week and I might give you a different answer.”
As tough as it gets
Despite arriving into the clash full of confidence after their five-star showing at the AMEX Stadium, Everton still face possibly the toughest test in European football right now.
Pep Guardiola’s side are a winning juggernaut right now, having gone on a 21-game unbeaten run in all competitions and cruising past the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich along the way.
However, considering the tiring nature of the 1-1 draw against Real Madrid on Wednesday (10 May) and the lack of recovery time before their trip to Goodison Park, the Toffees stand as good a chance as ever.
Jordan Pickford was on brilliant form to deny several goal-bound Brighton shots on Monday night, and he will once again need to be at his very best to deny Erling Haaland and Co and help Everton towards a result.
If the Toffees are likely to remain above the relegation zone even if they don’t pick up a result this weekend, with Leeds United facing a tricky test against Newcastle, Leicester City travelling to Liverpool and Nottingham Forest taking on Chelsea.
This isn’t going to be where Everton’s season is defined, but they are fully capable of springing a surprise on the Premier League champions.