Everton’s hopes of major Man City upset boosted after Pep Guardiola revelation
Everton have just been handed a significant boost ahead of their daunting trip to face Manchester City this weekend.
The Toffees have made a bright start to the new Premier League campaign, but there is no denying the massive task they have on their hands when they visit Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
Jack Grealish is unavailable for Everton against his parent club, which means that the Merseysiders will have to find a way of securing a favourable result without their star man.
However, the task facing David Moyes and his men has just become significantly easier following a huge reveal from Pep Guardiola.
Everton hopes boosted by confirmed Rodri absence
Everton haven’t beaten Manchester City since January 2017, and you have to go back almost 15 years sicne their last win at the Etihad Stadium, which came way back in December 2010.
However, they will now have renewed hope of causing a major upset this weekend, given that Guardiola has now confirmed that influential midfielder Rodri will be unavailable for the clash, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The 2024 Ballon D’Or winner had a high-profile injury lay-off last season, when he suffered damage to his ACL, and his injury woes look set to continue this term, much to Everton’s advantage.
The Spanish star was substituted after just 22 minutes in his side’s victory over Brentford last time out, and he has not recovered from the hamstring issue in time to feature this weekend.
Guardiola’s men undoubtedly have quality across the board in their group, but Rodri is arguably the only member of the squad who is effectively irreplaceable for them.
Rodri absence will delight Idrissa Gana Gueye
Idrissa Gana Gueye has been strong again for Everton of late, and he will be delighted to see that his counterpart is unavailable this weekend.
Rodri’s influence makes City’s midfield a daunting proposition to go up against, given that he can both break up attacks and pick out defence-splitting passes with alarming ease.
However, with him now out of the equation at the Etihad, Gueye will surely fancy his chances of dictating the battle in the middle of the park.
If the Senegal international can play with his usual energy and destructive qualities, then it could hold the key to his team securing a favourable result.
Ultimately, City still have plenty of world-class talent that will still make it extremely difficult for Everton, but Rodri’s absence is certainly a welcome bonus.
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