Football isn't always fair. If you're an Everton fan, you basically live by that motto. Every time the blue half of Liverpool lines up against Manchester City, there's this weird mix of existential dread and that "what if" hope that keeps people coming back. Honestly, it’s one of those fixtures that looks predictable on paper but feels like a fever dream once the whistle blows at Goodison—well, now the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It’s personal.
Think about it. You've got Manchester City, a team that plays football like they're solving a high-level calculus equation. Then you've got Everton, a club that has spent the last few seasons just trying to keep their head above water while moving into a shiny new stadium. When these two collide, the "Everton vs Manchester City" tag on social media turns into a war zone of xG stats and "Proper Chels" style defensive masterclasses.
The Erling Haaland Problem (and the 2026 Reality)
Let’s be real. If Erling Haaland is on the pitch, the game plan for Everton is essentially "don't let him breathe." Earlier this season, back in October 2025 at the Etihad, Haaland did what he does. Two goals in five minutes. Just like that, Everton's hard work was nuked. It’s frustrating because the Toffees actually looked decent for about 58 minutes. Beto missed a sitter, Ndiaye was dancing through defenders, and Pickford was doing Pickford things.
But City? They don't care about your "effort."
By the time January 2026 rolled around, the narrative shifted a bit. We’re looking at a City side that’s chasing Arsenal for the top spot. They're relentless. Pep Guardiola has them playing this suffocating style where the ball feels like it's glued to their feet for 80% of the game. Meanwhile, Everton is sitting mid-table, specifically 12th as of mid-January. They aren't the relegation-threatened mess of years past, but they aren't exactly world-beaters either.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Game
Most casual fans think City just rolls over Everton. That’s not quite the whole story.
Everton has this weird habit of becoming a brick wall when they’re at home. Even with the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, that "Dogs of War" DNA hasn't totally evaporated. They’ve managed to frustrate City in the past by clogging the middle and daring Pep to find a way through. It's ugly. It’s gritty. It makes for terrible television if you like "the beautiful game," but for an Evertonian, a 0-0 draw against City feels like winning the Champions League.
The real factor right now? Injuries. City is currently dealing with some massive holes. Ruben Dias is out with a hamstring issue for at least another month. John Stones is also in the treatment room. When City doesn't have their defensive anchors, they look human. Still terrifying, sure, but human.
On the other side, Everton has been leaning heavily on James Garner and the creative spark of Iliman Ndiaye. And let's talk about Jack Grealish. He’s been at Everton on loan (yeah, that actually happened), and though he couldn't play against his parent club in the last league meeting, his presence has changed how Everton moves the ball. They don't just hoof it anymore.
Breaking Down the Tactical Chess Match
City plays a 4-1-4-1 that basically turns into a 2-3-5 when they attack. It’s dizzying. They’ve got Phil Foden drifting inside, Savinho stretching the wings, and Haaland just lurking. If you’re David Moyes—who is back at the helm of Everton in this 2025-26 run—you have to decide: do you park the bus or do you try to hit them on the break?
- The Low Block: Everton usually drops into a 4-5-1. They leave Beto or Thierno Barry up top as a lone island and hope for a long ball.
- The Pickford Factor: Jordan Pickford is usually the busiest man in England during this fixture. He made three huge saves in the recent draw against Wolves, and he’ll need ten against City.
- The Midfield Scrap: James Garner and Idrissa Gueye have to be perfect. One missed assignment and Kevin De Bruyne (if he's fit) or Foden will slice them open.
Honestly, the matches are often won or lost in the first 15 minutes of the second half. City has this terrifying ability to come out of the locker room and score before you’ve even finished your halftime pie.
The History You Probably Forgot
Did you know Everton once beat City 9-1? Yeah, in 1906. Okay, that's ancient history, but even in the Premier League era, this hasn't always been one-way traffic. Remember the 4-0 Everton win back in 2017? That was the night Tom Davies looked like the best midfielder on the planet.
Since then, it's been mostly City dominance. Since 2021, the scores have been lopsided, including a 5-0 drubbing at the Etihad. But the 2025-26 season feels different because City is showing cracks. They’re drawing games they used to win 4-0. A 1-1 against Brighton, a 1-1 against Chelsea. They aren't invincible.
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Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
The next time these two meet in May 2026, the stakes are going to be astronomical. City will likely be in a death match with Arsenal for the title. Everton will be looking to secure a top-half finish to prove that the new stadium era is actually a step forward.
If you’re betting or just watching for fun, keep an eye on the "Everton vs Manchester City" lineup reveals about an hour before kickoff. If Rodri is missing for City, the game is wide open. If Jarrad Branthwaite is back for Everton, Haaland is going to have a much harder day at the office.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup:
- Watch the Wing-Play: City’s width with Savinho is their biggest weapon right now. If Mykolenko doesn't get help, Everton is cooked.
- Set Pieces are Key: Everton is dangerous from corners. It’s basically their only consistent way to score against elite teams.
- The "New Stadium" Vibe: Don't underestimate the atmosphere. The 52,000+ at Hill Dickinson Stadium are louder than the Goodison crowd used to be.
The gap between these two clubs is huge financially, but on a cold Tuesday or a rainy Saturday, that gap shrinks. That's the beauty of the Premier League. Sorta.
To keep up with the latest tactical shifts, check the official Premier League injury reports 48 hours before kickoff. Pay close attention to the status of Phil Foden, as his ability to operate between the lines is usually the tie-breaker in this specific rivalry.