Premier League: Everton v Manchester City match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Goodison Park

After exiting the pitch to an echo of boos last Saturday, the home side will be looking to bounce back from their FA cup defeat to Wigan. But with City seemingly back on form and pushing to close the gap at the top, Everton will need to call for a pitch-perfect performance if they are to keep the champions at bay.

Roberto Mancini’s side can boast four consecutive clean sheets with 12 goals in all competitions, but will have to tread carefully if they are to end an uninspiring run at Goodison. The Toffees have won six of the last eight games against City at home, a place they have suffered only one league defeat all season.

Just two points behind 5 place Arsenal, Everton will be hoping for a win to help them bridge the gap and keep them firmly in contention for a spot in Europe. But with only one win from five in all competitions, Moyes will need his men to step up to the plate if he is to keep the doubters quiet.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12:45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

City 1 (Tevez) Everton 1 (Fellaini), Premier League, December 2012

Everton 1 (Gibson) City 0, Premier League, January 2012

City 2 (Balotelli, Milner) Everton 0, Premier League, September 2011

STATS…

Everton will reach 600 goals scored at home in the Premier League if they put two through the posts

If named in the starting line-up, Leon Osman will reach 300 starts for the club in all competitions

The highest ever scoring match between the two was during the 1906/1907 season when Everton won 9-1 at home

City haven’t won at Goodison since April 2009

It has been 360 minutes since City last conceded

ODDS…

Everton to win: 4

Man City to win: 2.08

Draw: 3.65

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH

15 September 1928: Despite missing their train and having to change in taxis, Manchester City came away from Goodison Park celebrating a 6-2 victory. Five of the goals were scored by Tommy Johnson, who went on to sign for the Toffees in 1930 and was part of their title winning campaign of 1931/32.

TV: Live on Sky Sports 2 at 12:45pm, highlights on Match of the Day, BBC1, 10:30pm.