Manchester City vs Everton - 4 key battles | Premier League 2021-22

Manchester City will take on Everton this weekend, hoping to stay in touch with league leaders Chelsea. The holders, who have already lost twice this season, are three points adrift of The Blues. Meanwhile, after a brilliant start to their campaign, Everton have fallen off the perch in recent games.

They are winless in their last five games, losing three. After holding Tottenham Hotspur to a draw in their previous game, Everton will hope to frustrate Pep Guardiola's men at the Etihad stadium.

Meanwhile, City have also blown hot and cold in their last five games either. They recovered well from a loss against Crystal Palace with a thumping win at Manchester United in their last game.

On that note, here's a look at four key matchups that could be key in the outcome of the game

---

#4 Phil Foden (Manchester City) vs Seamus Coleman (Everton)

Manchester United vs Manchester City - Premier League

He has had to wait for a while, but Phil Foden is now a regular in the Manchester City team. Foden has started the last six games for team in the Premier League, grabbing the opportunity with both hands.

With three goals in the league thus far, he is their highest goal-scorer so far this season. All of his league strikes have come in the last five games. Foden's performances on the left wing has been a key reason why City have not felt the absence of a striker.

However, against Seamus Coleman at right-back in the Everton defence, Foden could have his task cut out. Coleman makes 2.5 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, making him the second-best player in the Everton rearguard.

He was a big reason why Everton kept Tottenham Hotspur quiet in the last game. So the visitors will hope that Coleman recreates the same magic against City, and keeps Foden at bay.

---

#3 Andros Townsend (Everton) vs Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)

Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

Despite Guardiola's penchant for tinkering with his defence, Joao Cancelo has missed just 12 minutes of Premier League game time this season. That is because the Portuguese has been a rock at the back for the Ciyizens.

Cancelo is leading the team in tackles (2.1 per game) and interceptions (2.4 per game). He also joins the attack whenever possible. He also has the second-most shots (2.4 per game) in the team, proving his offensive efficacy.

However, against Everton, Cancelo might have his hands full, especially against Andros Townsend. The Everton top scorer this season has also tallied the most key passes and draws the most fouls (two apiece per game).

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin out due to injury, Townsend's deliveries haven't yielded much output. But Townsend has a history of turning up against City. The Toffees will be crossing their fingers that he would do so in their shirt too.

#2 Rodri (Manchester City) vs Allan (Everton)

West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester City - Premier League

Everton's Allan could be a key player against Manchester City. He has been a mainstay for Everton this season in midfield, leading the side in tackles (three per game). In the absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure, he has stepped up in defence.

His only weakness has been dealing with dribblers, as he gets dribbled past the most in the league (three per game). Considering Manchester City is full of nifty players, Allan is at risk of getting exposed.

Manchester City's defensive rock, meanwhile, has been Rodri. He puts in the third-most tackles (1.9 per game) for his side, and makes the most passes (82 per game). In a nutshell, he is their engine in midfield through which everything flows.

Moreover, Pedri also delivers the second-most long passes in the team (4.8 per game), and is key in switching plays to the wingers. The battle between Allan and Rodri could determine which team controls the midfield, and thereby the game.

---

#1 Demarai Gray (Everton) vs Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Manchester United vs Everton - Premier League

One of the main reasons Everton had a fabulous start to their campaign was Demarai Gray. While the team's form has dropped off, the Englishman has still made heads turn.

With 2.1 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game, Gray is a well-rounded attacker. He could present the most threat to the Manchester City defence. Like Andros Townsend, he could use a striker who links up better, but he could wreak enough havoc on his own against City.

For City, that role is donned by Bernardo Silva. Guardiola has resorted to using Silva as a false nine in the absence of an out-and-out striker. The Portuguese international has repaid that faith by being the club's joint-top scorer.

Silva doesn't take as many shots. But he is leading the team in dribbles (1.9 per game), and links up wonderfully with Foden and Gabriel Jesus on the wings. He has also drawn 1.3 fouls per game, which could be key against Everton.