Stan Collymore has predicted the result of Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
City heads to Merseyside looking to tighten their grip on the Premier League title after recently overtaking Arsenal at the top of the table.
Sean Dyche’s men are currently one point and one place above the drop zone and are looking to build on their dominant win over Brighton last time out. Despite the upturn in form, Collymore feels City will have too much for the Toffees.
“Evertonians will be bang up for it after the Brighton win but City have the bit between their teeth,” said Collymore (The Sunday People, pg 54, 14 May).
Daunting
The fixture against Pep Guardiola’s side will be a daunting test for the Toffees but it’s one they should embrace. Survival is still in their own hands after Saturday’s results, which means any form of points would be a superb outcome.
Dyche will need the same players to come to the fore once again. Dwight McNeil was unplayable during the 5-1 win over Brighton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was back to his best and Abdoulaye Doucouré continued his remarkable return to form under the former Burnley boss.
A gritty performance is required, and it’s important the players look to frustrate and use the fan base to their advantage. A full Goodison Park can cause problems for any side. City will want time and space on the ball and it’s essential that Everton press and harass to make life as tough as possible.
With Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth to come this isn’t the be-all and end-all, but a point would Everton in an excellent position when it comes to securing their Premier League status.
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We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell is in support of Everton pursuing a deal to sign Lyon striker Moussa Dembele on a free transfer this summer.
The former Celtic and Fulham man is certain to move at the end of the season once his contract at the French side expires according to Fabrizio Romano on 23 April, and Jeunes Footeux reported on 3 April that there is already a four-year contract on the table for him at Goodison Park if the Toffees stay in the Premier League.
Despite Sean Dyche working wonders to get Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit, Campbell is clear that more options are needed in attack amid the risk of possible setbacks and feels the contract offer to 26-year-old Dembele is the right option.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News the Sky Sports pundit said: “Yeah I do think [he’s the right sort of player].
“I think Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he’s good being fit now but his problem has been staying fit.
“Now Moussa Dembele, he’s scored goals wherever he’s gone. He’s a handful. He’s got a good all-round game. I think if you create chances for him he’ll score.
“You do need threats up top, somebody who’s experienced, and mentally strong enough to take the chances.
“I think he would be a good signing for the right money, he’s not a bad name to bring in.”
Calvert-Lewin’s return has made a huge difference in the past couple of games, but the previous two years have proven what a struggle it is when he is not available.
The Neal Maupay experiment hasn’t worked at all, and Dyche doesn’t appear ready to give Ellis Simms a sustained run yet, so a senior forward signing this summer is a must.
It is contingent on the job of staying in the top flight being completed, but Dembele makes a lot of sense from a cost and ability point of view assuming that is done.
