Everton's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last time out ended a four-game winning streak that had lifted Sean Dyche's men out of the relegation zone.
It means the Merseyside club head into their home match against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in a stronger run of form than Pep Guardiola's men, who have drawn four and won just one of their past six fixtures.
City are back in Premier League action after their sojourn at the FIFA Club World Cup and will aim to claw back some of their deficit to pacesetters Liverpool and Arsenal.
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The Sporting News previews the game below with our prediction and best bets.
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*Odds correct as on December 27.
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It always feels slightly foolish to bet against City scoring handsomely, especially after they swatted aside Fluminense 4-0 in the Club World Cup final despite missing the cutting edge of Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne.
Nevertheless, a game against an in-form Everton at a fired-up Goodison Park feels like the sort of contest where Haaland's absence might be more keenly felt. The Norwegian superstar scored in both matches against the Toffees last season.
Throw in each team's recent form and a cagey, closely contested affair is to be expected, with City dominating the ball but Goodison exploding into life whenever Dyche's men look to land a blow on their illustrious opponents.
City losing De Bruyne to hamstring surgery and Riyad Mahrez to the Saudi Pro League left Guardiola without two reliable and prolific providers of goal contributions from attacking midfield and the right wing.
For the first
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