Manchester City vs Everton: Predicting the Toffees Starting XI

Everton's leftback prodigy Leighton Baines, according to ESPNsoccernet.com, said the Toffees will look to their previous results as motivation for their weekend clash with Manchester City.

The last eight encounters between the clubs have seen the Blues take seven victories and they will hope to continue that record on the weekend.

Despite the apparent class that Roberto Mancini's side have shown this season with their attacking achievements, their draw to Fulham last weekend proved that they can be beaten or nearly so.

David Moyes is a master at pulling together a team that can challenge anyone, and he has shown to be a crafty strategist over the last few seasons due to the teams limited of any available funds for him to strengthen.

Baines had this to say about the weekend game:

It is a big game for us at the weekend because City have been doing well but we will take confidence from the results we have had against them in the past.

We will draw on that. We have a tough run of games over the next few weeks so it was important we kept our momentum going [with the win over West Brom in the Carling Cup].

My hope is for a game as great as the one last week with the Toffees finding a way to beat their rivals who are the stronger on paper.

The reliable American shot stopper will be key to the team's strategy, as he must keep Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko in check as best as possible.

Defender Tony Hibbert continues to be a trustworthy part of the Toffees' back line. His play on the right side has been solid but he will have a tough job in taking on any of James Milner or Adam Johnson from City's left flank attack.

Sylvain Distin has been in fine form so far this season and continues to build a strong partnership with Phil Jagielka.

Phil Jagielka scored the equalizing goal last week against Wigan. He helped to hold off the Latics throughout the match until the Toffees substitutes were able to give them the go-ahead and finishing touch goals to end it 3-1 Blues.

Without a doubt Leighton Baines is one of the top 5 left backs in the EPL. He continues to improve and get better every season. His growing ability on set piece deliveries keeps making him more and more valuable to the Everton attack, as well as defense.

Although the veteran Phil Neville has been largely a fringe player this season for David Moyes, he may just call on the captain for his experience and toughness. He will need a strong defensive midfield presence to try and contain Manchester City's relentless attacks. His midweek form against West Bromwich Albion, where he scored his first goal in some time, will not be lost on his manager either.

The big-haired Toffee will be asked to assist Phil Neville at holding up the Citizens attack, but he will also be the deep midfielder that drives the counter attack through the middle of the park.

The young Englishman continues to look better and better with age.He will drive the right flank of attack to create space in the middle for Tim Cahill to work.

The feisty Australian veteran has had to step up his game after the loss of Mikel Arteta, but he will continue to be a threat to any back line with his heading ability and his determination.

Another Everton product, Leon Osman shows signs of continued growth week by week. Micah Richards will be a tough strong defender for the player to oppose but should get good touches for the attack.

Denis Stracqualursi could be in line for a start against Manchester City, as he is starting to gel with the team, and David Moyes needs his lone star to come through with hopes of knocking off the number one team in the table.

Everton undoubtedly had a tough match, but there is hope. Season after season, David Moyes puts out a team that is capable of getting results against anyone if the game goes according to his strategy.

City have had a tough time with his club over the past seasons, and he will hope that their run of poor results against him will continue.

You can click the link to read the full Manchester City vs Everton preview as well as all of the Week 6 Previews and Predictions for the EPL.

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