Royal Blue Mersey - Everton at Manchester City: Premier League Matchday 21It's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2016-01-14T19:46:37+00:00http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/rss/stream/105226532016-01-14T19:46:37+00:002016-01-14T19:46:37+00:00Analysis: On Everton's Strong 1st, Nervy 2nd Half
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<figcaption>Quite right Roberto, this was a result worth smiling about. | Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Another solid overall performance, particularly in defense, helped the Toffees fight their way to a well-earned point against Manchester City. There's certainly room for tactical improvement, but managing a clean sheet away to a title contender steals the headlines for now.</p> <p>In <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton's</a> last five halves of football against top four competition, the club has given up one goal.</p>
<p>We can (and will) talk about multiple other developments for Roberto Martinez's side, but easily the most important development from the Toffees' last four matches in all competitions is the team's improved defensive performance.</p>
<p>The return of captain <span>Phil Jagielka</span> has surely helped the team, but a general focus on playing a safer game from front to back has played an even larger role.</p>
<p>Let's take a look at Everton's starting lineup to begin more closely examining the team's defensive improvement.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://lineupbuilder.com/350x500/?p=11&a=40231&t=&c=0f0fdb&1=GK_Howard__388_174&2=DL_Baines__317_64&3=DCL_Funes%20Mori__327_138&4=DCR_Jagielka__327_211&5=DR_Stones__317_284&6=DML_Barry__240_138&7=DMR_Besic__240_211&8=AL_Osman__158_78&9=AC_Barkley__151_174&10=AR_Deulofeu__158_269&11=FCA_Lukaku__80_174&c2=ffffff&c3=ffffff&output=embed" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="500" width="350"></iframe></p>
<p>With <span>Seamus Coleman</span> injured, <span>John Stones</span> slid over to right-back and Ramiro Funes Mori kept his spot in the starting lineup. <span>Leon Osman</span> got a surprise start at left midfield, and Muhamed Besic kept his place in the center of midfield.</p>
<p>The Bosnian is at the heart of Everton's new-found defensive shape. Besic covered tons of ground, was a defensive force, and, perhaps most encouragingly, passed the ball with consistent accuracy. All of this is reflected in Besic's activity map, courtesy of FourFourTwo.com.</p>
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<p>Besic had two created chances, five tackles, four clearances, two successful take-ons, and only six misplaced passes. There is little doubt that Besic is the best out-and-out defender among the team's options at central midfield, but I've expressed concern about his ability to help his team keep possession.</p>
<p>If he can continue to pass the way that he did against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>, any such concerns will prove to be unfounded.</p>
<p><span>Gareth Barry</span> had a characteristically strong performance in the center of midfield as well.</p>
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<p>Barry's passing was equally impressive, while he also had four clearances, two blocked shots, and two tackles.</p>
<p>The passing tendencies of Besic and Barry reveal much of what worked for Everton in the first half. Both players made only a few passes forward, instead focusing on keeping the ball when they got it.</p>
<p>Against a side with as much quality as Manchester City, possessing the ball was always going to be key to Everton's success. By keeping the ball, often in the middle third without much attacking thrust, the Toffees assured that the likes of Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne wouldn't have the ability to do any damage.</p>
<p>As a result, possession in the first half was essentially an even split, though much more of the match took place in Everton's defensive third, as this graphic from EvertonFC.com indicates.</p>
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<p>Everton actually slightly outpossessed City in the first half, while more than half of the half took place in the middle third. Of course, only 16 percent of the half occurred in Everton's attacking third, but the Toffees did still create chances, just on the counter attack.</p>
<p>Given how dangerous <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> and co. have been on the counter this season, an offensive plan with this focus was reasonable. Essentially then, Martinez's plan was to have his side possess the ball whenever possible, not forcing the issue and keeping the ball away from City. When City turned the ball over, the Toffees would spring a quick counter if available, but if not, keep the ball in the midfield in a composed manner.</p>
<p>This plan worked quite well for the opening 45 minutes, with Leon Osman nearly putting his side in the lead and Everton conceding a limited number of decent chances.</p>
<p>Once the second half began though, the Toffees' fortunes turned completely.</p>
<p>Manchester City figured out Everton's game-managing tactics, and started applying higher pressure in the midfield, limiting the Toffees ability to move the ball via short passes through the midfield. With the center of the field locked down, ideally Everton could have looked to the wings to add width and open up the pitch.</p>
<p>Everton's player influence map, courtesy of FourFourTwo.com, displays why attacking down the wings wasn't a reasonable option.</p>
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<p>As usual, Gerard Deulofeu adopted a wide and advanced starting position, but with no Seamus Coleman in the lineup and heavy pressure in the center of midfield, getting the ball out to him was generally not a feasible goal.</p>
<p>On the left, Osman provided more width than Arouna Kone usually does, but he lacks the pace to play a traditional winger's role.</p>
<p>So, 25 minutes into the half, Martinez substituted the pair off the pitch, which was a reasonable move to make. What was not reasonable, however, was one of the changes he made. On came <span>Steven Pienaar</span> for Leon Osman, who is a true wide player, though he also lacked pace. But, with his ability to link up with <span>Leighton Baines</span> on the left, he certainly had a better chance of releasing the pressure than Osman.</p>
<p>On the right though, Martinez brought Kone in for Deulofeu, which made absolutely no sense. The Ivorian striker lacked the pace to be a danger on the counter, the defensive ability to help out with the dangerous <span>Raheem Sterling</span>, the playmaking ability to work the ball through the midfield, or even the general tactical awareness to stretch the field by providing width.</p>
<p>Without an outlet, Everton could not consistently get out of its own defensive third, inviting pressure and failing to create chances.</p>
<p>In all though, the day was successful. The Toffees managed to stay out of trouble and create some chances in the first half, then held on for dear life in the final 45 minutes. If the side's defense and midfield can continue to limit the opposition's chances as they have done in recent weeks, there is no reason why Everton cannot improve its league form and continue its exciting cup run.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2016/1/14/10768928/everton-manchester-city-tactical-analysis-roberto-martinez-muhamed-besicAdam.Braun2016-01-14T14:36:39+00:002016-01-14T14:36:39+00:00Everton at Manchester City: Extended Highlights
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<p>Despite the scoreless draw, there were plenty of highlights in this game</p> <p>Everton played Manchester City for the second time in a matter of days last night, and the two sides are starting to develop a sense of familiarity. This meeting had three Premier League points at stake and City could have gone top of the table with a win, while visitors Everton had just one win in the last seven and needed the points just as badly.</p>
<p>The Blues looked chaotic in the first few minutes of the game as the Citizens looked to get an early goal to overwhelm them, but Everton eventually found a foothold and ended the first half the better side, having had one of the best chances to score when Leon Osman's first-time volley swerved inches wide of Joe Hart's far post with the goalie rooted to the spot.</p>
<p>However the second half was a different story as the home side attacked in waves but the Toffees defended the siege quite resolutely, led by a timely return to form for goalie Tim Howard and also bolstered by club captain Phil Jagielka's return to the starting lineup.</p>
<p>Young defender John Stones has hit a rough patch in the last month or so, and while he might have started his career as a right back, he looked distinctly uncomfortable in that position yesterday as Raheem Sterling gave him a torrid time all game long. Stones looked to have undone all the solid defending in the waning minutes of injury time when he slid into Sterling in the box, but was extremely lucky to see the referee point for a goalkick instead of a penalty. Oddly enough, while the whole Etihad Stadium and ten City players bayed for a penalty, Sterling got up, dusted himself off and walked away.</p>
<p>Manager Roberto Martinez applauded the team's resilience in his post-match comments, but should come under fire for not pulling the trigger on making substitutions earlier in the second half when both Leon Osman and Gerard Deulofeu were visibly flagging and Everton were largely overrun in the middle of the park.</p>
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<p style="text-align: right;">Video courtesy of <a href="http://www.fullmatchesandshows.com/2016/01/13/manchester-city-vs-everton-highlights-full-match/" target="_blank"><i>Full Matches and Shows</i></a></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2016/1/14/10767100/everton-at-manchester-city-extended-highlightsCalvin2016-01-13T23:11:25+00:002016-01-13T23:11:25+00:00Roberto Martinez Post-Match Quotes
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<p>The manager thought the Blues were worth the point today</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> manager <span>Roberto Martinez</span> was happy to see his side dig deep today away at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>, and felt the Toffees were good value for a point today.</p>
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<p>"In the first half we were very good and controlled the game for long spells. We had two big moments in front of goal - Gerard Deulofeu's chance and <span>Leon Osman</span> with an incredible bit of technical ability.</p>
<p>"In the second half we didn't impose ourselves as well but had to show resilience and defend well.</p>
<p>"It's been over a year since Manchester City haven't scored at home and I take satisfaction in the way that we had to defend.</p>
<p>"Every time we went forward, we looked threatening even though we didn't do it as often as we wanted.</p>
<p>"Overall, we can take incredible satisfaction from this performance. To have that defensive ability, it was very pleasing. We can build on this performance in the second half of the season."</p>
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<p>Veteran goalkeeper <span>Tim Howard</span> has been the subject of the fans' derision for long periods of this season but Martinez has kept faith in his man. Today the goalie justified his inclusion in the side with a resounding performance that harked back to his best times with Everton.</p>
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<p>"You rely on character and Tim Howard is an example of that. You get good and bad moments of form and there are always a bit more extreme views on a goalkeeper, whether you play well or make a couple of errors.</p>
<p>"The way Tim prepares for the games, trains on a daily basis, faces adversity and takes responsibility is why as a manager you have blind belief in him.</p>
<p>"He is an incredible influence on the younger players and you will never see him blaming anyone else. He accepts responsibility.</p>
<p>"It's no accident that he has made 350 Premier League appearances."</p>
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https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2016/1/13/10764516/martinez-pleased-by-evertons-resilience-today-against-cityCalvin2016-01-13T22:14:32+00:002016-01-13T22:14:32+00:00Everton at Manchester City: Instant Reaction
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<p>It was vintage Howard tonight at the Etihad. He made several saves and was the reason the Toffees were able to nab a point on the road against City.</p> <p>It was as impressive as a 0-0 draw can be. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>, led by <span>Tim Howard</span> of all people, went into the Etihad and battled <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> Wednesday night to get a valuable point in the league.</p>
<p>The first half could have gone either way. It was a wide open game and each team earned only one real chance. For City, it was Yaya Toure who had the first opportunity as he rose up on a cross into the box and headed it on goal, but Howard was equal to it and parried it away.</p>
<p>For the Toffees, it was veteran <span>Leon Osman</span> with the strike that nearly put them ahead. Off of an impressive cross from <span>Romelu Lukaku</span>, Osman struck the volley first time and got good bend on it, but could have used just a bit more as it went narrowly wide right.</p>
<p>There was not as much action in the second half of play from either side, but especially not Everton. Sure, there were still moments and they were not dominated by any means, but the attack looked lethargic while the defense was playing with confidence.</p>
<p>The most exciting moments happened right before the final whistle. <span>John Stones</span>, who played at right back for the injured <span>Seamus Coleman</span>, concluded his rough day by making not one, but two risky tackles in and around the box.</p>
<p>First, in the 92nd minute, Stones and captain <span>Phil Jagielka</span> combined to bring down striker Sergio Aguero about a foot outside of the box, but nothing was given to the irritated Aguero. A moment later, Stones made an ill-advised slide into <span>Raheem Sterling</span>, who was basically begging for someone to tackle him. Stones got none of the ball and brought down the winger. The collective hearts of Evertonians skipped a beat as the ref pointed to what looked like the penalty spot. Alas, he was indicating a goal kick. Exhale.</p>
<p>A few seconds later, that same referee blew the final whistle of the match. He was met with complaints from just about every player in powder blue, but that's the way the cookie crumbles, City.</p>
<p>Before the game, many Toffee supporters would have taken a 0-0 draw. And even after the game, I think the same can be said, especially with the way it was done.</p>
<p>Everton did not look outclassed at any point. Howard looked like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/fifa-womens-world-cup">World Cup</a> version of Howard again and is the easy pick for Man of the Match. Say what you will, but he is still a dynamite shot-stopper. Muhamed Besic continued to impress and is showing his teammates that you don't get pushed around by anyone. For me, he is an automatic starter until he proves he cant handle it.</p>
<p>The attack was a disappointment. Lukaku couldn't get past Nicolas Otamendi all night. Gerard Deulofeu and <span>Ross Barkley</span> both disappeared. And again, both <span>Aaron Lennon</span> and <span>Kevin Mirallas</span> were left on the bench in a game that sorely needed speed and width from the Blues.</p>
<p>While it was exciting to see that shot from Osman, he looked slow and out of his depth. He is an important member of the locker room and manager <span>Roberto Martinez</span> had to show the rest of the group that he is still a consideration week in and week out, but this match didn't do much for that.</p>
<p>This was a good point to get tonight. It is no easy task to go into the Etihad and keep a clean sheet against City. Everton did it and they seem to be beaming with the kind of confidence that they need given the current slate of games.</p>
<p>Next, they travel to Stamford Bridge for another league game on Saturday before returning home the following Sunday to host <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/swansea-city">Swansea City</a>.</p>
<p><b>Thanks for reading! Don't forget to follow the blog on <a href="https://facebook.com/rbmersey" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/rbmersey" target="_blank">Twitter </a>and leave some feedback. It helps a lot!</b></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2016/1/13/10763886/tim-howard-impresses-with-key-saves-as-everton-and-manchester-city_TyYoung2016-01-13T11:00:02+00:002016-01-13T11:00:02+00:00Roberto's Pre-Match Quotes
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<p>Tim Howard returns and Romelu Lukaku is fit but Seamus Coleman is out</p> <p><b><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a> manager <span>Roberto Martinez</span> sat down with the assembled media for his press conference ahead of the Toffees' trip to Eastlands. The Spaniard previewed this evening's match up, provided team news and an injury update and managed to fit in some transfer talk as well.</b></p>
<p>The Blues did have a good record away at <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a> but the hosts' meteoric rise to the top has started to have an effect on that once good record.</p>
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<p><span>"Stats show the Etihad is one of the toughest grounds to visit but we feel confident playing away from home. I can see a tight match." said Martinez</span></p>
<p><span>"We will have to show resilience and defend well tomorrow but also have that strong mentality of getting on the ball." </span></p>
<p><span>"We have three important league games coming up now - nine points to fight for - before our attention turns back to the cups."</span></p>
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<p>Ahead of this evening's fixture, Roberto shed some light on team news, "Romelu trained really well yesterday and is 100 per cent." He continued, "he is very much clear to play tomorrow. He wants to play and wants to be have the responsibility of leading the line.</p>
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<p>"Funes Mori had 10 stitches but I would expect him to be available. He trained yesterday and doesn’t want to miss any action."</p>
<p><span>"<span>Tom Cleverley</span> is 50/50 but <span>Seamus Coleman</span> will be out for another 10 to 14 days."</span></p>
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<p>The last two matches <span>Joel Robles</span> has deputised for established number one and the much criticised <span>Tim Howard</span>, and has impressed against City and Dagenham and Redbridge. However, Martinez has already confirmed that the American will return between the sticks at the Etihad.</p>
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<p>"We want competition for places and I think Joel Robles has been terrific. He has had a huge role to play in big games and has done really well, but in the same manner Tim Howard brings a quite unique experience and know-how.</p>
<p>"Of course you get good moments and bad moment for any player but we appreciate what Tim Howard brings on top of what he offers in between the sticks.</p>
<p>"He is going to be the first Everton player to have 350 Premier League appearances which is an incredible return" continued the Blues gaffer.</p>
<p>"We need to use that experience and know-how with the young players around him and we are going to continue to use that experience.</p>
<p>"We want good players in every position and clearly we feel very strong in the goalkeeping positions."</p>
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<p>Andriy Yarmolenko's agent was in attendance for the FA Cup third round tie last Saturday and speculation about a potential transfer to the Toffees is rife. When asked about the Ukrainian's agent, Martinez said; "I don’t know the identity of every person who comes to Goodison. We even had a cat there who knows a lot about our play!<br>"I'm sure there were many other people watching the game which would give us links with other footballers around the world. There’s nothing to comment on."</p>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<p>"We have been working really really hard to get some business done early." He added, "I think Shani Tarashaj was our target<a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/roberto-martinez-says-new-everton-10709187" data-content-type="news" data-type="inline" data-action="10709187" data-word-count="9" data-track="false" style="font-family: inherit; color: #2b2873; text-decoration: underline; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: none; transition: color 0.15s linear; background-color: #ffffff;"> </a>number one in terms of getting it done quickly. I think Matty Foulds was a different age group."</p>
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<p>Finally in terms of outgoings, the Everton boss said, "<span>Aiden McGeady</span> has had three enquiries and we will work with his representative to make the final decision."</p>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<p>"It will be a short term deal so Aiden can finish the season strong then have possible involvement with the Republic of Ireland.</p>
<p>"He has one opportunity to go abroad and two domestically. But we are in the early stages yet.</p>
<p>"It’s not a view to a permanent deal. It would be a loan and he would return to compete in pre-season with a view to next season."</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<p>"We are trying to get Stevie Naismith fully fit for the squad and until that changes we will just try and prepare from game to game and get him fit for those matches.</p>
<p>"At the moment there is nothing to comment on. I think Steven just wants to concentrate on the games in the next few weeks."</p>
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<p>It is also understood that similar to Aiden McGeady; <span>Darron Gibson</span> will be allowed to leave on loan as well during this <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors" class="sbn-auto-link">transfer window</a>.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2016/1/13/10758094/everton-at-manchester-city-roberto-martinez-pre-match-quotesseanferguson2016-01-13T07:00:02+00:002016-01-13T07:00:02+00:00Man City v Everton - Match Preview
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<p>Last week's Capital One Cup win gave Everton fans a new hope, but will City strike back in the second match of their mid-winter trilogy?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s part two of our January trilogy with <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a> as we head to the Etihad Stadium with Premier League points at stake.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">After the joys of last week’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg win at Goodison, this "difficult" second game seems something of a distraction, with supporters eager to see the side finish the job secure a place at Wembley.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">However, with <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a>’s patchy festive form seeing them plummet down the league table the Toffees cannot afford to get distracted by their cup exploits.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Blues have slumped down to 11<sup>th</sup> place and could fall further with defeat on Wednesday. The nine points separating themselves and the Champions League places is already beginning to look insurmountable, the result of a run of just one win from their last seven league games.</p>
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<h4>The opposition</h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Manchester City have a formidable record at the Etihad Stadium this season, with eight wins and just two defeats from 10 Premier League games so far, racking up 29 goals in the process.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">They have also won their last five home games in all competitions and head into the match on the back on Saturday’s comfortable 3-0 FA Cup win at Norwich.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Despite that impressive record there is a definite sense of fallibility around the team despite yet another summer of heavy investment by billionaire owner Shiekh Mansour..</p>
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<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Injured have played a key role in that, with the continued absence of captain <span>Vincent Kompany</span> a key loss. City are a different side without the Belgian, with <span>Eliaquim Mangala</span> and Martin Demichelis inadequate replacements.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The speculation surrounding manager <span>Manuel Pellegrini</span> is not helping matters either. Pellegrini has a world-weary look about him anyway but the Chilean has looked particularly exasperated this campaign as rumours regarding Pep Guardiola continue to swirl around the club.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Guardiola is widely expected to join City in the summer after confirming he is to leave Bayern Munich, regardless of how Pellegrini fares this year.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That said Wednesday’s game still represents one of Everton’s toughest away assignments of the season, especially as it comes in the midst of a hectic run of seven games in 25 days.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Team news</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Roberto Martinez</span> was given a boost with the news that <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> was fit to return to training after a ankle knock suffered against City in last week’s League Cup win.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ramiro Funes Mori is also available despite needing 10 stitches in a head injury suffered against Dag & Red at the weekend.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Tom Cleverley</span> is doubtful with a calf injury while <span>James McCarthy</span> and <span>Seamus Coleman</span> definitely miss out. That should mean a Premier League return for <span>Phil Jagielka</span>, who made his comeback from a knee injury in the FA Cup on Saturday.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Tim Howard</span> will also return, with Martinez remaining doggedly insistent that the American will not be dropped despite his shaky recent form.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As well as captain Kompany, Man City will be without <span>Wilfried Bony</span>, Fernandinho, Eliaquim Mangala and <span>Samir Nasri</span>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Final word</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While next week’s semi-final is likely to be Everton’s priority, Pellegrini will probably prioritise the league encounter as he looks to keep his side in touch with pace-setters <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a> and Leicester (is still sounds weird writing that).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To that end, expect to see a full strength City side and one that will be looking to respond to last week’s Goodison defeat and lay down a marker ahead of next week’s second leg.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Everton, though, have a decent record on the road this season, losing just once against Arsenal, so certainly have enough in them to grab at least a point.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Predicted starting XI: </b>Howard, Stones Jagielka, Funes Mori, Baines, Barry, Besic, Cleverley, Barkley, Deulofeu, Lukaku.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2016/1/13/10757682/manchester-city-v-everton-match-previewTom Mallows2016-01-12T20:00:02+00:002016-01-12T20:00:02+00:00Man City vs Everton: How to Watch & Gamethread
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Everton will play City for the second time in seven days. We have all the info you will need to follow the match as well as our live gamethread. </p> <p>The Toffees has another midweek match and for the second week in a row it is against <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">Manchester City</a>. <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">Everton</a> is traveling to Manchester to face the Sky Blues in a Premier League matchup after beating them 2-1 in their home leg of the League Cup semifinal last Wednesday.</p>
<p>Manager <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/players/149761/roberto-martinez?_ga=1.247075975.2097946802.1448990428" target="_blank">Roberto Martinez</a> could be expected to tinker with his lineup as his squad suffered <a href="http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2016/1/12/10755254/everton-v-manchester-city-injury-report" target="_blank">several key injuries</a> last week. He also has to prepare for another match three days later against Chelsea.</p>
<p>Below we have information on how to follow the match. Also join us back here at match time for our live game thread.</p>
<p id="paragraph3"><b>How to Watch & Listen</b></p>
<p id="paragraph4"><b>Match Date and Time:</b> Wednesday, January 13<sup>th</sup> at 19:45 GMT / 2:45 p.m. EST</p>
<p id="paragraph5"><b>Stadium:</b> Etihad Stadium, Manchester</p>
<p id="paragraph6">Capacity: 55,097</p>
<p id="paragraph7"><b>Match Forecast:</b> 4° C / 40° F; Light rain (65% chance). Winds South at 10mph.</p>
<p id="paragraph8"><b>TV:</b> Not Listed - UK / NBCSN Premier League Extra Time / Directv Channel 492 - USA</p>
<p id="paragraph9"><b>Radio:</b> Live audio stream via Everton's <a href="http://www.evertonfc.com/fixtures/2010-to-2019/2015-2016/barclays-premier-league/man-city-vs-everton" target="_blank"><b>Match Centre</b></a></p>
<p id="paragraph10"><b>Live Stream:</b> <a data-ref-index="10" target="_blank" href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/"><b>NBC Sports Live Extra</b></a> - USA</p>
<p id="paragraph11"><b>Info from:</b> <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1614059/manchester-city-vs-everton/" target="_blank">Livesoccertv</a></p>
<p id="paragraph12"><b>Lineups:</b></p>
<p id="paragraph13">Everton Starting XI: Howard, Baines, Funes Mori, Jagielka, Stones, Besic, Barry, Barkley, Osman, Deulofeu, Lukaku</p>
<p id="paragraph14">Everton Substitutes: Robles, Oviedo, Kone, Mirallas, Lennon, Pienaar, Galloway</p>
<p id="paragraph15">Manchester City Starting XI: Hart, Clichy, Demichelis, Otamendi, Sagna, Toure, Fernando, Sterling, De Bruyne, Navas, Aguero</p>
<p id="paragraph16">Manchester City Substitutes: Cabellaro, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Humphreys, Delph, Silva, Ihenacho</p>
<p id="paragraph17" align="center"><b>Like Royal Blue Mersey on </b><a data-ref-index="12" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/rbmersey"><b>Facebook</b></a><b> </b><b>& Follow @RBMersey on </b><a data-ref-index="13" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/rbmersey"><b>Twitter</b></a></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2016/1/12/10753966/manchester-city-vs-everton-2016-live-stream-start-time-tv-schedule-january-2016Ryan_Blank2016-01-12T17:55:08+00:002016-01-12T17:55:08+00:00Everton v Manchester City: Injury Report
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Roberto Martinez could welcome back some key players for the Premier League clash...</p> <p><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a> go in to the second game of their three match January epic with <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a> with a few injury problems.</p>
<p>The good news is that after being left out of the FA Cup victory over Dagenham & Redbridge, <span>Roberto Martinez</span> has announced that <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> is fit to face the Citizens.</p>
<p>Ramiro Funes Mori is also able to play, despite needing 10 stitches in his head after a clash in Saturday's match. This is important as it could mean that <span>John Stones</span> is able to switch to right-back to cover for Seamus Coleman. The fit-again <span>Phil Jagielka</span> and Funes Mori could line up in the middle as they did on the weekend.</p>
<p><span>Tom Cleverley</span> is rated at 50/50 for the encounter, and given the form of <span>Gareth Barry</span> and Muhamed Besic, is surely unlikely to be risked unless one of that pair is in need of a rest.</p>
<p><span>James McCarthy</span>, <span>Tony Hibbert</span>, and Tyias Browning are definitely ruled out, but there is a chance <span>Steven Naismith</span> could be available if Norwich City don't snap him up beforehand.</p>
<p>Unluckily for the Blues, City also have some key players returning to full fitness. Yaya Toure and <span>David Silva</span> are both available for <span>Manuel Pellegrini</span> again.</p>
<p>However, our Capital One Cup semi-final opponents are still missing the vitally important <span>Vincent Kompany</span> - a problem which is worsened by Eliaquim Mangala's hamstring injury. Surely the Blues can score past a back line containing Martin Demichelis and Nicolas Otamendi?</p>
<p>Man City will also be without Fernandinho, <span>Samir Nasri</span>, and <span>Wilfried Bony</span> for Wednesday's encounter.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2016/1/12/10755254/everton-v-manchester-city-injury-reportMax_Miller