Everton want to upset the odds against Manchester City and the return of Beto is very timely indeed.
David Moyes is preparing his players for the visit of City to Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the Toffees could do with getting back on track.
Earlier this year Moyes spoke of the need to win some games they’re not expected to in order to get European football, and this fixture would certainly fall into that category.
Let us know your predictions ahead of Monday’s huge match on Merseyside! 😬
Recent history does not bode well for Everton… 🫣
David Moyes, head coach of Everton, prior to the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse
Pep Guardiola’s side are always so relentless at this time of year.
They’re chasing Arsenal at the top, and will see this game as an opportunity to keep their momentum going.
Everton haven’t beaten City since 2017, so huge effort will be required.
But Beto returning is definitely a boost.
Beto can exploit Man City high line
Beto playing for Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Beto missed the defeat to West Ham United last weekend after clashing heads with Ibrahima Konate in the Merseyside Derby.
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His absence was certainly felt against the Hammers, with Thierno Barry not taking his opportunity.
Beto has been spotted back in Everton training ahead of the game with City, suggesting he will be fine to play next Monday.
And this is good news for the Toffees because of the way City like to defend – and how Beto prefers to play.
What would your message to Moyes be now Beto is back fit for City?
Credit; Getty Images/Molly Darlington
City tend to play with a higher line than most other teams in the Premier League, as they dominate the ball and suffocate their opposition with possession.
They are front-foot, and like to try and keep the ball as far from their own goal as possible.
But this is a tactic that could play into the hands of Everton and Beto.
While he may be a tall player, and there is always a temptation to use him as more of a target man, Beto is much more effective at running in behind, latching onto through balls.
He is quick for a man of his size and arguably he is much better at stretching backlines than he is at holding the ball up.
We saw this recently, when James Garner played him in against Chelsea, with the Guinea-Bissau international finishing impudently over Robert Sanchez. The timing of his run was perfect.
Beto scores for Everton against Chelsea.
Photo by Jorge Horsted/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Now, City do have one player in particular who won’t make it easy for Beto to do this on Monday.
And that man is Abdukodir Khusanov, who possesses a very good turn of pace which has often helped to bail his team out.
But if Everton can get it right, Beto could well have opportunities and do some damage.
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