The Dugout Discussion – Everton vs Manchester City

We make out way to Goodison Park for the first of Sunday’s two matches as Everton entertain Manchester City.

With the Toffees on the cusp of an excellent run of fixtures from Gameweek 22 onwards, this afternoon’s encounter allows us the chance to scout the potential of the likes of Leighton Baines and Romelu Lukaku.

Second only to Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso for points per match amongst defenders, Baines has reclaimed penalty duties from Lukaku and has served up two goals, a pair of assists and a couple of clean sheets in his last seven outings.

Lukaku, meanwhile, has upped his output in recent matches, with four goals and an assist in six. A convincing display against City could see his 24% Fantasy Premier League ownership on the rise, particularly if Diego Costa and Olivier Giroud fail to recover from injury in time for next weekend.

Sergio Aguero rolls up to Merseyside having netted twice in four of his seven away appearances.

Yet it’s a sign of his erratic displays under Pep Guardiola that only 9% of FPL managers have handed the City striker the armband.

Nonetheless, that still makes Aguero the fourth most captained player for Gameweek 21 and, having scored in both matches since returning from suspension, his 22% owners will be optimistic he can maintain that momentum.

Ronaldo Koeman’s men have been no pushovers in front of their own fans, though, conceding just seven times – only Spurs and Chelsea boast better defensive home records.