Manchester City has essentially clinched the Premier League title at this point, but the race is on to make history. Not many champions have finished with more than 100 points in domestic play, but City is on pace to do that with 81 points through 30 games. They have been absolutely dominant all season long and are accordingly a big road favorite against a decent Everton side.
This is a status quo season for Everton. Liverpool’s other club typically sits in the top half of the table, keeping itself safe from the relegation battle. The Toffees are 12 points clear of relegation and 16 points outside of a spot in Europe, making positioning the only thing up for grabs from their perspective.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Goodison Park in Liverpool at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Manchester City -270
Everton +719
Draw +408
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Although Man City has effectively locked up the Premier League, you have to make them a large favorite even if they are playing on the road. The club is 26-3-1 on the season with an outstanding goal differential of +65.
Everton did pick up a point when these two sides met in Manchester earlier this season though. Wayne Rooney notched his 200th Premier League goal to send the Toffees ahead and it looked like they might take the full three points after Kyle Walker picked up a red card to send Man City down to 10 men.
It took a long time, but Raheem Sterling ended up leveling the score at one in the 82nd to salvage a draw. What was impressive though was how Man City still kept the field tilted throughout the second half while down a man.
Key Injuries
The Toffees have a number of players who will be on the sidelines for this one. Midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson has a knee injury that will keep him out until early May, robbing Everton of one of their main playmakers. The depth in the midfield looks to have taken another hit too as Idrissa Gueye suffered a thigh injury and will be out for at least this match too. Central defender Ashley Williams will be unable to play in this one as well due to disciplinary reasons.
Benjamin Mendy has been out for the majority of the season after suffering a knee injury during the club’s 5-0 thrashing of Liverpool back in September, but he has recently returned to training and may be available for Pep Guardiola to use here. Having Mendy back in the lineup would be a huge boost for Man City, yet he is considered unlikely to play.
Two others are considered probable for the Citizens here. Fabian Delph and Sergio Aguero look close to ready to return to the lineup after being out for the last few weeks.
Player to Watch
Rooney is at the tail end of his career, but he has been a boon for the club he grew up with this season. He leads Everton with 10 goals on the season and has shown that he still has a knack for finding his way into space. Rooney doesn’t have the speed or the ability to beat top defenders one on one that he once did, but the former Manchester United man has developed a scorer’s instinct after all this time in England.
His play will be pivotal if Everton is going to somehow pick up a point.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
If Everton were fully healthy, the Toffees might be worth a shot at these prices. However, the team is without its creators in the midfield and that will leave Rooney stranded up top. Manchester City will end up getting the full three points on the road.
English Premier League Odds: Manchester City 2, Everton 1
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
