Here are five things to keep an eye on when City kick off against Everton on Sunday...
Battle of the strikers
The game will showcase two of the league’s in-form strikers: Sergio Aguero and Romelu Lukaku. Aguero was electrifying against Chelsea, opening his account on his first start of the season.
Is there a better striker in world football? Big things are predicted of Everton centre-back John Stones, so he is in for an acid test when Argentinian ace Aguero comes to town.
Meanwhile at the other end, Kompany will come face to face with his compatriot Lukaku. The young forward scored twice against Southampton and at his best brings a potent mix of pace, power and finishing to the table.
Midfield duels...
Ross Barkley and Lukaku linked effectively against Southampton for Everton, which suggests Fernandinho will have a key disruptive role to play at Goodison Park.
At the base of the Toffees midfield a player City fans know extremely well - Gareth Barry - is still a highly effective operator and covers a lot of ground. His duel with Silva will be an intriguing one; both are clever players who know each other’s game inside out.
Given those two direct key battles, Yaya Toure could hold the key. If the Ivorian can find space between Everton’s lines he can deliver a telling blow.
Rise of the fullback?
Aleks Kolarov’s performance against Chelsea was mentioned by many fans and commentators in passing. Kolarov whipped in a series of trademark crosses, and popped up with some vital defensive headers.
On the other side Bacary Sagna put in a strong performance, including one excellent covering tackle on Eden Hazard. With Pablo Zabaleta out for around a month with ligament damage Sagna will be tasked with sewing up the right side of City’s defence, and the Frenchman is showing his quality.
Winning record
City can equal a Club record run of nine successive league wins at Goodison Park. The team are buzzing at the moment and the strength of the bench means every player in the starting XI knows they must fight to keep the shirt.
Banishing the hoodoo
Before Manuel Pellegrini’s arrival at City Everton had become somewhat of a bogey side for City. The Toffees beat City six times in eight games between 2010 and 2013 in what became a fixture for Blues fans to dread.
Pellegrini has fared better, winning three out of four meetings, which leads you to think his playing style is a better fit against opposite number Roberto Martinez’. Another victory on Sunday and City will have well and truly overcome their Goodison glitch.
Support the team as they aim to continue the 100% start to the season at our next home match in the Premier League against Watford on Saturday 29th August at 3pm. Make sure you don’t miss out on another memorable game at the newly-expanded Etihad Stadium and buy your tickets now or enjoy the game in the new 93:20 bar from £75.
Hospitality is also available – Experience the new Legends suite from £150 + VAT and enjoy a matchday like a Legend. To book, call our hospitality team on
