The champions could go top with a win over Everton at the Etihad on Saturday; it’s a golden opportunity for Manchester City to take initiative, at least until Liverpool plays.

Everton has shown grit and resilience this season, then came back twice to earn a last-gasp point against Tottenham at Goodison Park. Jarrod Branthwaite headed home the leveller with seconds remaining, keeping the Toffees alive in the race to beat the drop.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for Sean Dyches and his Everton side; from losing ten points to the FA to struggling to earn points from games and then going on a run of clean sheets, this is how to show you mean business.

Manchester City showed class against Brentford; they had fifteen shots on target, with Mark Flekken having the game of his life. It was the return of Erling Haaland; he started a game with Kevin De Bruyne in only their second start together.

Pep Guardiola has the luxury of choice; he is the only manager in the league with a fit squad and not a single injury, and he didn’t have to worry about anyone going to the Africa Cup of Nations or the Asian Cup; everyone is available for selection.

How will Liverpool line up? Their defence is settled; James Tarkowski leads the back four, launching long balls to Dominic Calvert Lewin. Manchester City’s high line could be tested with many of those, and expect Everton to seek goals from set pieces too.

Manchester City will keep going hard, Everton might have to defend for the entirety of the game, and it will be a long lunchtime game for the Toffees. City will pack the midfield and get the trio of Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez tiptoeing around the Everton area.

It’s up to Everton to give us a show on Saturday; they can decide to be as brave as they were against Tottenham or sit deep to counterattack. Haaland will be a handful, and Ben Godfrey will hope for a better afternoon against the Norwegians.

Verdict: Manchester City to win