The Toffees have won seven out of the last eight Premier League meetings with City and have dominated the fixture in recent seasons, including a league double over the Blues last year.
Milner feels it won’t be an easy game again and is surprised David Moyes’ team have been quite as successful as they have against City.
“I didn’t realise they’d beaten us so many times over the past few seasons,” he said.
“Whenever I’ve played against them over the past five years they’ve always been a really tough team to play.
“They’re determined and well-organised, but it’s up to us to go out and break those sort of teams down and make sure we take all three points.”
After missing the last three games, Milner admits it’s taken slightly longer than he’d envisaged to return to playing, but he’s trained well and is fit for what will be a hugely important four days in the Blues’ fledgling season.
“The physios have done well and patched me up and I’m just about ready to play again, now,” he said.
My ribs are still sore and I thought rest might do the trick but it hasn’t so I just want to get on with it again
...James Milner
“I’ve enjoyed the start to the season and I’ve been happy to play a more holding role in some of the games, even though I enjoy getting forward and creating chances if I can.
“I played a bit higher up against Bolton and had more freedom, but I don’t mind either way.
“We have a great squad here so I don’t mind playing wherever I’m asked to – it’s all about doing your job to the best of your ability for the team.”
Milner said the Blues are focused on the clash with the Toffees and not allowing thoughts of Bayern Munich to disrupt their weekend preparations.
“Being in the Champions League is an exciting thing for all the players at the Club and Bayern Munich is a massive game,” he said.
“But there’s been no talk of that game because Everton are our next opponents and taking three points on Saturday is our priority first and foremost. It’s a cliché, but it really is one game at a time and that’s the way it should be.”
