Paul Merson at risk of being ‘shocked’ amid Jack Grealish and Everton development
Everton return to Premier League action this weekend with a tricky trip to Manchester City.
Everton beaten Crystal Palace 2-1 in their most recent match to climb up to eighth in the table with seven games played.
The Toffees have been further boosted by news that Jordan Pickford has signed a new long-term deal at Everton, keeping him tied down until 2029.
All focus now switches to Saturday afternoon as David Moyes aims to snap a poor record against Man City.
And Paul Merson can only see one thing happening at the Etihad Stadium, where Moyes will be forced into a selection rethink.
Jack Grealish absence a massive blow for Everton
Jack Grealish has been superb for Everton so far this season, but he will miss the match at the Etihad Stadium as per the terms of his Man City loan agreement.
That is a major blow for Moyes to contend with, but that is not to say others – namely Carlos Alcaraz – cannot step up in Grealish‘s absence.
Sharing his prediction for the match for Sportskeeda, Merson said he’d be “shocked” if this match ended in anything other than a home win.
“Manchester City are starting to roll now,” he said. “After that defeat to Brighton, I think they have improved. Everton’s performances haven’t been great recently.
“I know they beat Crystal Palace last time out, but that was the most snatch-and-grab win I’ve seen in a long time. With Jack Grealish ineligible to play, I’d be shocked if City didn’t win this game.“
As per Sofascore, Grealish has registered four assists and one goal in nine games for Everton, while averaging 1.44 shots per game.
It is likely that Moyes will go with Iliman Ndiaye and Alcaraz in the wide areas, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall playing just off Beto.
Everton out to end terrible record vs Man City
There is no denying that Everton – and indeed Moyes – have a poor record against Man City, having failed to win any of their past 16 league meetings.
That spans back to a 4-0 win for Everton at Goodison Park in January 2017.
| Everton | Scoreline | Man City |
| Romelu Lukaku 34′ | 1-0 | |
| Kevin Mirallas 47′ | 2-0 | |
| Tom Davies 79′ | 3-0 | |
| Ademola Lookman 90+4′ | 4-0 |
Only against Fulham (20), West Brom (19) and West Ham (19) are Man City currently on a longer unbeaten run against in the competition.
All that said, Everton are more than capable of pulling off a big upset and leaving Merson “shocked”, as he himself put it.
As seen against Crystal Palace a fortnight ago, this current Everton group have a never-say-die attitude and will give as good as they get at the Etihad Stadium.
A draw would be celebrated as much as a win, but there is no reason why the Toffees cannot make the trip to Manchester with the confidence of doing even more.
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