Title Race

[Muddled]

That is a damning statistic. Wipes out any hope I had of City dropping points at Everton in 11 words.

I still think City will drop points somewhere before the end of the season though.

I'm just acting the cunt. In context, that stat doesn't shed much light as he's not missed many games.

What we need to think is that out of 16 games at Goodison Park since 1992/1993, Manchester City have won just twice and lost 10 times, including their last four games.

[Sarb]

He's only missed 2 league games. One was City away which they understandably lost and the other was Southampton at home which they won 2-1. Not bad really.

Pabs are you Dr Peters?

Mudds you cunt

[Pablo]

I'm just acting the cunt. In context, that stat is not too damming as he's not missed many games.

What we need to think is that out of 16 games at Goodison Park since 1992/1993, Manchester City have won just twice — and lost 10 times, including their last four games.

Acting?

You know when I see those type of stats I often investigate them for myself. I'd say the majority of the time the stat is usually wrong, sometimes massively so . Yet everyone laps them up as fact without ever stopping to question them.

[Muddled]

Indeed - there will be always be a statistic that can be twisted to suit an argument.

Manchester City will be looking at how Everton perform without Barry, we'll look at how Manchester City have performed at Goodison Park. How will Manchester City perform with the pressure of having the title back in their hands? Will Everton want to push for European football next season? It's too close to tell, you've just got to enjoy the ride.

[rudedog]

He's only missed 2 league games. One was City away which they understandably lost and the other was Southampton at home which they won 2-1. Not bad really.

That would make it a 50% win percentage then

[DannyMan2006]

Not one of us here would put our life savings, or even half of that, on Man City to beat Everton.

In fact, if someone gave me a million and I had to stick it on one team to win, I'm not sure which one I'd pick.

It's easy to sit here now in self pity and say Everton have no chance & City have won the league already, etc. but it's really not the case. We will find out Saturday.

[Yozza]

Ian Snodin says Everton are going for the win. All this false hope is killing me. I had accepted it had gone yesterday. This is cruel man

Ian Snodin: Everton will be going out to win against City

There is not a chance in the world that Everton are going to ‘roll over’ against Manchester City.

Not a chance. Many Liverpool fans have assumed that the Blues will field a weakened team or not try hard in this weekend’s game when Manchester City come to Goodison.

City’s game with Everton is the hardest of their three remaining fixtures and a victory in the late kick-off on Saturday would see them take a massive step towards the title.

Liverpool are still top and still in a great position to win the Premier League crown but sections of the support are worried about our game.

But I can tell you now: Everton are going out there to win.

Not only is there still the chance they could qualify for the Champions League but they are professional footballers.

In the end, the Blues may well do Liverpool a favour and beat City.

So the idea that Everton will not be bothered this weekend is totally wrong. Don’t believe a word of it.

Roberto Martinez’s men are going out there to win the game and there is no question about it.

The task facing Everton this weekend against Man City is made harder by the fact Gareth Barry is ineligible to play.

He is such an important player for the Blues and has been terrific this season.

But I have no doubt that there is enough quality in the squad to fill the void.

Ross Barkley could well be asked to play in that position and though he didn’t do so well on Saturday, if he wants to go to the World Cup then he needs to perform in big games.

The whole world will be watching on Saturday and Ross will be up against one of the best midfield players in the country in Yaya Toure.

This is a great chance for him to prove how good he is.

Losing Barry for the game will be a big blow but others can step in for this game.

Three months ago I said Everton had no chance of qualifying for the Champions League and then they went on a brilliant run to get back into contention.

But after Saturday’s defeat, I would say that it looks like Arsenal will hang on for fourth.

As I say, the Blues are still in with a chance but they face two massive games in the final two weeks of the season.

After a dramatic Sunday afternoon, Man City head to Goodison Park this weekend looking for the win to keep them on track for the title.

It is going to be a difficult game for the Blues because City are a decent side, no doubt about it, but the pressure is all on them.

And let’s not forget, Everton have responded to every defeat this season by winning the following game.

Oh, and City have got a wretched record at the Old Lady.

Should Roberto and the lads come through Saturday with a win then there will be no let-up when they go to Hull.

Arsenal may have won convincingly there recently but Hull are a good side and will want to please the fans on the final day.

[Norbs]

They so will though

[Yozza]

They so will though

Take your pessimism elsewhere ya old fart.....

[Norbs]

You're old enough to know better too

[Marina]

He's only missed 2 league games. One was City away which they understandably lost and the other was Southampton at home which they won 2-1. Not bad really.

If he's only missed two league games how does their win percentage without him in the side come to 20%..... makes no sense

edit: wait I guess that doesn't factor in cup games. Whatever. Disregard!

[Muddled]

To clear it up, here's the actual data:

Everton with Barry

Played 27 - Won 17 - Drawn 6 - Lost 4
Average Goals for: 1.7
Average Goals against: 0.9
Win percentage: 63%
Points per game: 2.1

Everton without Barry

Played 5 - Won 1 - Drawn 3 - Lost 1
Average Goals for: 1
Average Goals against: 1.2
Win percentage: 20%
Points per game: 1.2

EDIT: That's as of the 14 April, I'll be ****ed if I research the rest of April for your lot.

[Marina]

They've drawn 3 out of 5 without Barry though... that's auspicious...

Chelsea somehow doing the double this season would be an absolute nightmare

[RedAndWhite]

To clear it up, here's the actual data:

Everton with Barry

Played 27 - Won 17 - Drawn 6 - Lost 4
Average Goals for: 1.7
Average Goals against: 0.9
Win percentage: 63%
Points per game: 2.1

Everton without Barry

Played 5 - Won 1 - Drawn 3 - Lost 1
Average Goals for: 1
Average Goals against: 1.2
Win percentage: 20%
Points per game: 1.2

EDIT: That's as of the 14 April, I'll be ****ed if I research the rest of April for your lot.

They've drawn 3 out of 5 without Barry though... that's auspicious...

Chelsea somehow doing the double this season would be an absolute nightmare

I'd take a draw all day long.

[Muddled]

They've drawn 3 out of 5 without Barry though... that's auspicious...

Chelsea somehow doing the double this season would be an absolute nightmare

Combine that with the form Everton have shown at home, the historic form of Manchester City at Goodison Park and I think a determined Everton could do us a favour.