This is one game many would like to see; it’s the game between sleek football and stubborn energy. Everton will sit back, soak up pressure, and hit on the break, but with City pressing hard, something has to give.

Manchester City became the world champions over the weekend. They beat Fluminese 4-0 to become the Club World Cup champions. They’re in high spirits and would like to resume normal business in the English Premier League.

Everton went on a sensational run. Shortly after they were docked ten points by the English FA for financial breaches, the Toffees went on a winning streak that ended with the cup loss to Fulham and then the 2-1 reverse at Tottenham, but they still have it in them to trouble anyone.

Crystal Palace held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw at the Etihad before the champions flew to fight for the right to be World Champions. It was a shocking result considering City led 2-0 at some points, but they failed to take their chances, and the Eagles grew into the game.

Everton is in good shape. They lost to Fulham on penalties in the League Cup, but it could be a blessing in disguise. They could well win their appeal against the point deduction ruling, and that will take them straight to the top half of the table with a game in hand.

Manchester City could return to this fixture with the duo of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. Both of them didn’t participate in the CWC, but they were both part of training sessions, and it would be seen if Pep Guardiola named them in the squad to face Everton.

It’s more like a free hit for Everton. No one will bat an eyelid even if they take a real hammering from the champions, but trust them to put up a fight and stifle the free-flowing football of Pep Guardiola and his Rolls-Royce machines.

Rodri sustained an injury in the CWC final, but he is expected to be okay sooner rather than later, and he could well be available for selection in this game. Ashley Young, Idrissa Gueye, and Abdoulaye Doucoure are still injured for Everton, and James Garner and Amadou Onana will have a lot to do in the middle of the park.

Verdict: City to win