City back in Premier League action as Everton visits.
Manchester City vs. Everton begins at 15:00 [GMT+1] on Saturday, October 18, at the Etihad.
In fifth place, having gone on a four-game unbeaten run [LWDWW], City make their return to Premier League action, having been utterly dominant against Everton in recent years. The Citizens are unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League meetings with the Toffees (W13 D3), a streak that dates back to January 2017 when Everton stunned them 4-0 at Goodison Park. Since then, it has been one-way traffic — City’s control, possession, and firepower have consistently overwhelmed their Merseyside-based opponents. In fact, only against Fulham (20), West Brom (19), and West Ham (19) do City currently boast longer unbeaten runs in the top flight. Aside from that, Manchester City, meanwhile, are once again setting the standard in 2025. They’ve averaged more points per game this calendar year (2.04) than any other Premier League side, collecting 53 points from 26 matches. They are also the division’s most potent attacking team, scoring 55 goals in that time and matching Liverpool for most wins (16). With only three points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, victory could see the Sky Blues move dramatically up the table. Erling Haaland is expected at the attacking end of Pep’s 4—1—4—1 formation.
Everton, currently in 8th place and having ended a three-game winless run [WDLDW], has an even more daunting record at the Etihad. They have failed to win any of their last 14 Premier League away games against Manchester City (D6 L8), last claiming victory back in December 2010 during Moyes’ first spell in charge. It’s a drought that highlights just how difficult this fixture has become for the Toffees. Only at Manchester United (20), Liverpool (20), Arsenal (24), and Chelsea (30) have they endured longer winless away runs in the Premier League. Adding to the challenge, Moyes’ record against elite opposition away from home is poor. Across his managerial career, he has never won a Premier League away game against a side that finished in the top three of the previous season (P36 D12 L24). In total, he has managed just one such victory in 58 attempts—a 2-0 win with West Ham at Arsenal in December 2023. Everton, however, can’t be completely written off. They’ve won six of their last 10 league matches (D2 L2), equalling their total number of wins from the previous 27. Their away form has also improved, with four victories in their last seven on the road. Still, against a relentless City side at the Etihad, Moyes’ men face perhaps their toughest challenge yet of the season. Thierno Barry is expected at the attacking end of Everton’s 4—2—3—1 formation.