Score predictions, a word on Kyle Walker and some unexpected praise from a former United boss feature in your Saturday media round-up!
Firstly, we start with Mark Lawrenson’s predictions for our clash against the Toffees.
In his BBC column, the football pundit eyes a win for Pep Guardiola’s side: “Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola knows what can happen when the crowd get going at Goodison Park after seeing his side get turned over 4-0 there last season.
“Everton’s results have picked up recently with wins in their past two games, so there should be a positive atmosphere on Saturday evening, and I am sure Everton will have another go - but I do not see Sam Allardyce’s side succeeding.
“City will be champions if they win this game and beat Manchester United at Etihad Stadium next weekend and, although I am backing them to beat Everton, I think they will have to wait a few days longer to wrap things up.
“The reason I say that is because the one thing United boss Jose Mourinho will not want is for City to become champions by beating his team.
“By hook or by crook - and it might not be pretty - the Portuguese will make sure that does not happen.
“Lawro’s prediction: 0-2.”
Next, we hear from the boss – Guardiola, as he recently likened City right-back Kyle Walker to Abidal and Philipp Lahm during his pre-Everton press conference.
Our defender was recently deployed as a right-sided centre-back in Gareth Southgate’s back three during England’s friendlies with Holland and Italy.
“He has the conditions to play there, I think it was a good decision by (England manager) Gareth Southgate,” said Guardiola – as quoted by BT Sport. “He can play in both positions.
“With three in the back you have a little bit more protection in the middle and he has the physicality.
“He’s fast in front, he’s intelligent, good at passing short and long, can go fast forwards and backwards. So, he can play there.
“He is open-minded and when that happens anything can happen.
“Abidal and Philipp Lahm could play in different positions and adapt immediately, so quickly, because they were so good. Kyle is quite similar.”
Finally, we turn our attention to former United boss, Louis van Gaal, who has hailed Pep as the “best coach in the Premier League”.
READ: Everton v City scouting report
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Speaking to SportsBild, the former opposition boss stated: “Pep Guardiola is, for me, currently the best coach of the Premier League.
“Pep made City a machine.
“He shows a football that I would have liked to play at Manchester United. But he has better players for it. For me, the process would have taken longer.
“Unfortunately, I did not get the time.”
That’s all for your matchday media round up, we will be back tomorrow with all the latest paper talk.
