The 3-0 victory at St. Mary's last weekend was exactly what we've been crying out for. The tactics played right into the hands of our players, something I think hasn't always been the case. We played a counter attacking brand of football and moved the ball forward while setting a very high and demanding pace throughout the game. The team showed brilliant game control at 2-0 and coming out and taking off from where they left off completed a well rounded professional performance.
If we're able to replicate that performance on Sunday I'm hopeful we can come away from the game with a positive result. Ross Barkley is looking a lot more confident and comfortable and Romelu Lukaku was absolutely unstoppable against Southampton. They were the key to our first win of this season and will be the key again against Manchester City.
How to watch
The game will be shown Live in the UK on Sky Sports with a 4pm kickoff time. IN the US, the match will be on NBC Sports Network, and streamed on NBC Sports Live Extra. For additional options, click here.
Team news
Its looks as though we might be able to head into the game on Sunday with no fresh injury concerns. Martinez said "We came away from the game with no knocks or bruises" which bodes well for the squad, who will be looking to replicate a fine second performance of the season.
Expected line-up
4-1-4-1
I'm expecting Martinez to start the game with exactly the same team that started against Southampton. Although Deulofeu, Besic and Mirallas are all 100%, Roberto will be keen to find a winning formula early doors this season after a slow start last season and keeping the same team in games when possible could be the way to do it.
What to watch for
Well, we'll start with Everton, I'm hoping to be able to see us replicate last weekends performance. The keys to a win for Everton would again be the link up between Lukaku and Arouna Kone on the wing, as well as Ross Barkley and the defensive midfielders behind him. Its important they link up well and take a stride as a team towards consistency in their performances and form.
Where to start with Man.City? Well, you'd probably have to begin with Aguero who on his day is arguably one of the best strikers on the face of the earth. He really runs their attacks and keeping him out of the game would go a long way to a success for Everton. As well as Aguero, though, Yaya Toure has started the season on fire and has been banging goals in as well as setting them up.
Match Prediction
It's a bold one but I'm going with a 2-1 Everton win.