Premier League announcement ahead of Man City game ‘terrible news for Everton’
Everton play host to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, and the latest reveal serves as bad news for the Toffees.
Everton have nothing left to play for ahead of the final six games of the season, though that is a huge positive after the relegation scare earlier in the campaign.
Since the arrival of David Moyes, the whole place has been lifted, and the pressure has evaporated from Goodison Park.
Nonetheless, the Toffees’ clash with Man City will provide them with a chance to make a statement, but one released by the Premier League will have people holding their heads in their hands.
Simon Hooper in charge of Everton v Man City
Everton will have to be at their best to get anything out of the reigning Premier League champions, but with Simon Hooper set to officiate the game [Premier League.com] , or at least attempt to, their task could become a whole lot harder.
The Toffees have won just 6 out of 16 games with him in charge, dating back to the 15/16 season, while accumulating 22 yellow cards in that time.
| All competitions | W | D | L |
| Everton when refereed by Hooper | 6 | 7 | 3 |
Six games have passed since Everton last won a game with him holding the whistle, with one of the defeats in that period coming at home to Brighton, in which there was plenty of VAR drama [Daily Mail].
Darren England will be the main VAR operator for this game.
Everton looking to build on Forest win
Their latest victory against Nottingham Forest shocked many, and they will be looking to do that again against Man City.
Pep Guardiola’s side currently occupy one of the five Champions League qualification spots in the league, and after what has been a disappointing campaign in general, they will at least be looking to retain their place there.
Moyes’ side will be able to have a say in their ability to do just that, though they may need to get the rub of the green from VAR on this occasion.