James Tarkowski expects Everton to get result against ‘top side’ Manchester City on Boxing Day clash

Everton are set for a big test against Manchester City in a Boxing Day Premier League fixture at Etihad on Thursday evening. After producing a point each against London giants Arsenal and Chelsea, the Toffees find themselves motivated ahead of their trip to the reigning champions.

Centre-back James Tarkowski has also backed his team to expect a result at Etihad. Tarkowski highlighted Pep Guardiola’s side’s recent struggles but also conceded the challenges his team will face on Thursday. 

Everton have yet to register an away league win this season, and expecting one at Etihad seems a bit ambitious. However, the English defender pointed out Everton’s recent positive results against big teams and believes another one is coming against the Citizens.

"I go to most games that way, to be honest," James Tarkowski said. "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.

"City are a top side, so people are going to question them at the minute, but we are going there fully expecting to get a result from the game.”

With five clean sheets in their last six games and just two defeats in 12 matches, Sean Dyche men’s will look to add more misery to Manchester City’s poor campaign. Tarkowski revealed a positive mindset his team is enjoying in the recent games going into the Boxing Day fixture.

"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 added.

Everton take positive from Boxing Day record

Notably, Everton enjoy a stunning league record in Boxing Day fixtures with their last away defeat coming way back in 2005. Everton are unbeaten in their last eight away Boxing Day matches and that will boost their confidence ahead of the tough game against Manchester City.

The Merseyside club is currently in 15th place in the points table, four points away from the relegation zone but with a game in hand. They have the sixth-best defence in the league this season but need to improve their goalscoring record if they hope to finish in the top half or qualify for the European competition.