Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Fri 1 May 2026 8:40, UK

Jake O’Brien could be involved in the most important battle on the pitch when Everton take on Manchester City.

The Toffees are looking to keep their European hopes alive, and after back-to-back losses, they desperately need to get back to winning ways.

Facing title challengers Manchester City is not the ideal next fixture, as the Sky Blues are just as desperate for the three points amid their push for the Premier League trophy.

Pep Guardiola’s squad is filled to the brim with talent, and it can often be tough to predict who starts for the Spaniard.

However, ahead of Everton versus Man City, if Jeremy Doku is selected to start, O’Brien could be in line for a long night.

Why Jake O’Brien will have a tough evening against Jeremy Doku

Doku is known for his dribbling ability and his quality in getting past the fullbacks ahead of him. While O’Brien is not exactly the quickest wide defender in England.

The 6’6″ Irishman could be in for a tough evening on Monday night with his opponent seemingly reaching new heights.

This season, the Belgian’s dribbling has been off the charts for Man City. The winger is second for chances created following a carry with 24. Callum Hudson-Odoi is the only player with more (26) as per BBC Sport.

Additionally, Doku has carried the ball into the opposition’s box more than any other Premier League player, with his total of 82.

Overall, the tricky winger is primed to be active with his ball-carrying and box entry abilities key to Man City this season.

O’Brien will need to be at the top of his game, and truthfully, Everton may have to double up on the Belgian.

The issue with that is the Citizens have quality all over the pitch, and putting a second man on Doku to help O’Brien could lead to another free player elsewhere.

Does David Moyes have any other options vs Man City?

Unfortunately, Everton’s squad makeup means that the Toffees do not have many other options at right-back.

Nathan Patterson is not preferred by David Moyes, and putting him into the lineup against one of the best in the Premier League would be strange.

Meanwhile, Coleman, who has experience beating Man City, would end up facing the same issues as O’Brien due to his lack of speed.

In that regard, O’Brien has been Moyes’ favoured selection.

However, at least O’Brien has the physical advantage which could aid him. Overall, O’Brien is Everton’s best bet, and the 24-year-old must be prepared for what could be his toughest game yet.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.