Big Match Preview .. Man City v Everton
December 20th 2010 19:34
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
Given that tonight's monday night clash at Eastlands, is only the third Premier League match of the weekend, it is an easy contender for my Big Match. The game kicks off in around half an hour, with a lot on the line for both sides. Manchester City could be top of the table come Christmas Day with three points, while Everton could finally put a bit of space between themselves and the relegation zone with a win.
Here are the starting line ups for tonght's match, between Manchester City and Everton;
Manchester City
Joe Hart
Vincent Kompany
Pablo Zabaleta
Alexander Kolarov
Kolo Toure
Jamer Milner
Gareth Barry
David Silva
Yaya Toure
Mario Balotelli
Carlos Tevez
Everton
Tim Howard
Leighton Baines
Phil Jagielka
Phil Neville
Sylvan Distin
Seamus Coleman
Leon Osman
Tim Cahill
Maroune Fellaini
Jack Rodwell
Victor Anichebe
Manchester City for me, have not been good enough so far this season, to be considered serious title contenders. However, the fact that none of the other big teams have been consistent, means they are still in with a huge chance. Victory tonight, would see Mancini's men head into Christmas top of the pile. That would be a huge statement, and give everyone at the club a boost, and make them believe they could win the Premier League.
Another boost for City, is that the Tevez saga is seemingly over. Today the Argentinian striker withdrew his transfer request. He stated that he was 100% committed to the club, and despite speculation to the contrary, retains the captaincy for this evening's game.
For Everton, this season has been a massive disappointment so far. Pre season I expected Moyes' men to challenge for the European places. But they haven't recovered from a shoddy start, and still lie 15th, just two points outside the drop zone. With the league so close, they are only nine points off 5th place. But three points tonight, would still only lift them to 13th.
Their biggest problem, has been scoring goals. Yakubu and Saha have failed to net consistently, while Beckford has struggled to make his mark at this level. At City tonight, Anichebe is up top alone. While the Nigerian is a good player, I don't consider him good enough to be a lone, Premier League striker. To me, it still seems inconceivable that Everton would be relegated. But the longer they linger this low in the table, it is becoming a real possibility.
Winning titles, is all about taking your chances. With Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all playing each other in a short space of time, and also have had games postponed, City have a unique opportunity to go top of the Premier League. If they want to win the trophy this season, they have to take these chances.
I expect Manchester City to win tonight, but Everton will dig deep and make it difficult. I wouldn't be surprised, if they got another 1-0 win, with Tevez putting a poor week behind him, with another crucial goal.
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Comment by Joe Soriano
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Comment by Rick Gillispie
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With Tevez saga over for now atleast and the play of Yaya Toure i think City will be ready.
Haven't watch many games this year for City luckily this game is on ESPN2 in the US i was wondering how Milner and Silva have been doing for City
Comment by Rick Gillispie
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City looks so uninspired out there.
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