Honestly, if you look at the recent history of Everton versus Manchester City, you might think you already know how the story ends. It’s usually a tale of sky-blue dominance, a suffocating amount of possession, and Erling Haaland finding the back of the net before the halftime whistle even blows. But football isn't played on a spreadsheet.
Even with the massive gap in resources and league standings, this fixture has a weird way of producing moments that stick in your throat. Whether it's a rainy night at Goodison Park or a tense afternoon at the Etihad, there’s a specific kind of friction when these two meet.
The Reality of Everton versus Manchester City in 2026
Right now, Manchester City is locked in a three-way death match for the Premier League title with Arsenal and Aston Villa. Pep Guardiola’s side is basically a well-oiled machine that occasionally decides to upgrade its own parts mid-season. They just brought in Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for a cool £64 million this January. He’s already making an impact, scoring and assisting in the FA Cup.
On the other side, you've got Everton. Under David Moyes, they’ve settled into a gritty, middle-of-the-pack existence. They are currently 12th, which sounds boring until you realize how hard they've had to fight just to stay clear of the relegation scrap. They’re a team built on the defensive sturdiness of James Tarkowski and the creative flashes of Iliman Ndiaye.
The last time these two met back in October 2025, City walked away with a 2-0 win. Haaland scored twice in five minutes. Standard, right? But what people forget is that Ndiaye almost put Everton ahead early on. One missed connection from Beto, and that game looks completely different. That's the thing about this matchup—it's often a game of "what if" for the Toffees.
Why the Tactics Usually Go Out the Window
Pep Guardiola is a genius. We get it. But even his tactical setups can get rattled by a team that is willing to suffer for 90 minutes. Everton under Moyes doesn't try to out-pass City. That would be suicide. Instead, they try to turn the pitch into a swamp.
City relies on players like Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden to pick locks. They want a clean, rhythmic game. Everton wants a scrap. They want to win second balls and launch counters through Jack Grealish—who, in a bit of a "full circle" moment, is now back in blue on the Merseyside side of things.
The injury list for City has been a factor lately too. Losing Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to serious injuries has forced Pep to shuffle his backline. While they have the depth to cover it, it’s a crack in the armor. If you’re Everton, you’re looking at that and thinking there's a chance. Just a small one, but a chance.
A History of Spoiling the Party
If you want to talk about the weight of history, look at the head-to-head. City has 83 wins to Everton's 68. It’s closer than people realize if you look at the long view.
- The 1933 FA Cup Final remains the only time they met for a major trophy, with Everton winning 3-0.
- The 4-0 drubbing Everton handed City in 2017 is still a sore spot for many Cityzens.
- In the last few seasons, Everton has managed a couple of 1-1 draws that felt like wins, especially the New Year's Eve game in 2022.
The problem for Everton is that Manchester City has become a different beast in the 2020s. The "Abu Dhabi era" has turned a competitive rivalry into a mountain that Everton has to climb every single year. Since May 2021, City has put five past them in a single game, and they’ve rarely looked like losing since.
What to Expect Next Time They Meet
The next clash is set for May 2, 2026, at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium. It’s Matchweek 35. By then, City might be chasing the title on the final stretch, or they might be rotating players for a Champions League final. For Everton, they’ll likely be playing for pride or a top-half finish.
Expect City to dominate the ball—usually around 70% possession. Everton will sit deep, likely in a 4-5-1 or a 5-4-1, hoping to frustrate Haaland. It’s a game of patience for the fans and a game of endurance for the players.
If you’re betting on this, the smart money is obviously on City. They have the "irresistible force" in Haaland, who is currently sitting on 20 goals for the season, tied with Harry Kane at the top of the charts. But football doesn't always care about the smart money.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you are following the next Everton versus Manchester City match, keep an eye on these specific factors:
- The First 15 Minutes: Everton's only real hope is to score first and sit on the lead. If City scores early, the game is essentially over.
- Semenyo’s Role: Watch how Pep integrates his new £64m winger. He adds a directness that City sometimes lacks against "low blocks."
- Grealish's Motivation: Whenever Jack Grealish plays against his former employers, there is a narrative. Whether he can actually hurt them is the big question.
- Set Pieces: This is Everton's best weapon. With Tarkowski and Branthwaite, they are genuinely dangerous from corners, which is one area where City can occasionally look vulnerable.
The gap between these two clubs is wider than it has ever been in their 100-plus-year history. Yet, every time the whistle blows, there's that tiny, nagging feeling that something weird might happen. That’s why we keep watching.