Everton will attempt to revive their flagging European hopes when they take on Manchester City in yet another Monday night game at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Suffering successive defeats courtesy of stoppage-time winners for the first time in the club’s history, just as a charge for Europe was gaining momentum, feels very Everton.
They certainly didn’t deserve anything more than a point at West Ham after a fairly listless display, and their defending for both goals left a lot to be desired. But to lose
in added time yet again was a body blow that threatens to unravel their season (oh and can Callum Wilson please retire??).
They are still not out of contention – they are just five points off Bournemouth in fifth and three points off eighth. But if they fail to get anything on Monday, it will likely mean they need at least six points from the final three games to have a chance.
I understand those who feel the squad ‘may not be ready’ for Europe, but I’m of the opinion that the team should take the opportunity when they get it. There’s no guarantee they will be in this position next year, and although the extra games place a strain on the squad, David Moyes has already spoken about how he missed out on several transfer targets last year because of a lack of European football.
Continental competition will also mean fewer Monday night games, which should be enough motivation on its own. This will be Everton’s seventh appearance on Sky Sports Monday Night Football this season, more than any other side, with four of those games at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The opposition
Manchester City have little room for manoeuvre if they are to overhaul Arsenal and make it seven title wins in 10 years under Pep Guardiola.
The Gunners’ 3-0 win over Fulham on Saturday moved them six points clear at the top. With West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace to come, it is hard to see them dropping too many points. City’s fixtures look tougher. Brentford and Palace follow Everton, before the FA Cup final against Chelsea, a trip to Bournemouth, and then a home meeting with Villa on the final day.
Luckily for City fans, they are hitting form at just the right time, winning their last six games with an aggregate score of 14-2.
They also love playing Everton. The Toffees have lost eight successive home games against City and haven’t beaten them since that famous 4-0 win in January 2017.
Previous meeting
Man City 2-0 Everton, 18 October 2025
Everton began well against City at the Etihad last autumn but paid the price for failing to convert a host of first-half chances. Two goals in five minutes from Erling Haaland after the break were enough for what ultimately turned into another routine win for Guardiola’s men.
Team news
Beto is available to return after he sat out the West Ham game because of concussion protocols following a blow to the head in the Merseyside derby.
Moyes has reported no fresh injury concerns, with Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring) and Jack Grealish (foot) out for the rest of the season.
Final word
It is hard to see past a City win. They are a formidable opponent at the best of times, let alone when they are chasing a title in the run-in. They have not been the most convincing in their past two wins over Burnley and Southampton, which may offer a glimmer of hope. But it still feels like a long shot.
