James Tarkowski insists Everton's players head to Manchester City with some optimism after some confidence-boosting results against Champions League-chasing teams.
Back-to-back goalless draws against Arsenal and Chelsea made it five clean sheets in the last six matches and just two defeats in the last 12.
That, rather than City's faltering form, has left Tarkowski feeling they can head to Etihad with some optimism, even if they have only won three league matches all season and have yet to find an answer to their goalscoring problems.
"I go to most games that way, to be honest," he said.
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"I know it is difficult to go to these stadiums and there is a lot of talk about Man City's form right now, but I still look at their team and see a team full of players who are quality."
He characterised City as a top side.
"People are going to question them at the minute, but we are going there fully expecting to get a result from the game," he said.
"We are a team in good form and we have not lost many games in the last 12 or 13 games and we are in a place where we are feeling good."
He hailed Everton's strong squad and noted players returning from injuries.
"This is a nice period of time where a lot of games come thick and fast, so bodies are going to be needed, but we have a strong squad there as well," he said.