After a pleasantly surprising win away to Southampton last weekend, Everton return to Goodison Park to take on Manchester City side that Roberto Martinez has never beaten in twelve previous meetings in the Premier League (there was the FA Cup final upset with Wigan though). Visitors City have looked imperious early in the season, with two 3-0 victories against West Bromwich Albion and champions Chelsea.
We spoke with our fellow SB Nation Soccer blog, Bitter & Blue, about the upcoming game. Thanks go out to Nayir from the City blog for taking the time to chat with us. The corresponding Q&A for the City blog can be read here.
RBM - Manchester City are off to an excellent start this season. After all the offseason talk about managers, are you surprised that Manuel Pellegrini is still in charge?
B&B - I'm honestly not that surprised that he's still in charge, but I didn't see the contract extension coming. The feeling had always been that Pellegrini was going to be a 3 year manager, and then everything would be done to get Pep Guardiola next summer. We may still pursue the Spaniard, but it seems as though City are insulating themselves by keeping Pellegrini on board. I personally don't think Guardiola will come, and I'm fine with Pellegrini.
RBM - David Silva has been stellar in the two games played so far, along with Sergio Aguero. What will we see different from last season on the pitch this season?
B&B - We'll continue to see Silva played directly behind Aguero, which is where he shines brightest. The addition of Raheem Sterling means that there is blistering pace on the left side and the right side with Jesus Navas, which stretches the defense and gives Silva the space to do those magical things he does, in the place he does it best. That's the most notable difference on the eye.
Additionally, however, the addition of Sterling also does wonders for Aleksandar Kolarov. Sterling will cut in from the left side due to his stronger right foot, which allows the Serbian to make overlapping runs down the left flank. But it isn't just in theory, as the chemistry between the two has been strong so far and a focal point for the team.
Lastly, Fabian Delph should be able to help plug a hole at CDM. Fernando has been 'okay' so far, but he lacks some of the industry and all-around play that Delph has. A stronger shield in front of the back 4 will be vital for City.
RBM - Give us a quick recap of all the summer transfer window activity for City - who left, and who came in. Are there more transfers in the works before 1st September?
B&B - The summer saw Frank Lampard finally head to NYCFC, James Milner move on to Liverpool, Stefan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko move to Italy after poor 2014/15 campaigns, and young prospect Karim Rekik join Schalke permanently. So far we've seen Sterling, Delph, 18 year old striker Enes Unal, and now Nicolas Otamendi join the club. Youth products Kelechi Iheanacho, Marcos Lopes, and Jason Denayer have been promoted to the first team. There is still the feeling that Kevin De Bruyne will eventually be purchased, though I'm not sure that he fits in the starting XI tactically. I would also prefer to wait and try to splash the cash on Pogba next summer.
RBM - Two cornerstones of the team, Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure, have both bounced back with a vengeance. Was last season a blip and are the two back to their best?
B&B - I wouldn't say they are back to their best. They've definitely improved from last season's poor form, but for both of them it remains to be seen if they can really maintain this. Toure will have to adjust his game as his legs get older, but I have some faith there as I believe his summer rest will do wonders. Last season he had the World Cup and then AFCON, and he was gassed the entire season. As mentioned above, the summer additions should help both players as they are both pushed by players further in the depth chart and are given more relief.
RBM - What are the fans' expectations for this season? What would need to happen for the majority of the fanbase to say 2015-16 has been a successful season?
B&B - Reclaim the Premier League title. For sure. Progress in the Champions League is also a must. And, adherence to a 1 striker formation, as 2 strikers did not work last season and the roster as is currently built cannot sustain or grow under a 2 striker lineup.
RBM - City haven't had a lot of luck playing at Goodison Park. How do you expect this weekend's game to go? How about a score prediction?
B&B - It's tough to pick against us right now, and I'm going with 1-0. I think it'll be our first grind it out game and it should be a good one. Everton's ability to cope with or buckle under the pressure of Navas on one side and Sterling on the other will be the key battle, I think.