Another matchday, another Merseyside v Manchester encounter. Would it be too much to ask for more of the drama that the cup battles of the last week served up?

The only sure thing is that we'll get the same big-match atmosphere, with the Goodison public just as keen as their red neighbours to see visitors from the rival city sent back east with nothing.

The picture has changed dramatically for Manchester City in the first month of 2012. With respect to the Europa League, they've now only got one all consuming goal for the season - winning the Premier League that they've led for so long.

On that front, business is still good for City as they chase a fourth successive league victory. The third, against Spurs, was just the sort of late win that champions somehow come up with when the pressure's on. Thinking about Jermaine Defoe's miss moments before Mario Balotelli's penalty that won it, and the "did he or didn't he?" 'stamp' from the matchwinner himself, you could also argue that it carried an element of luck - something else champions need.

Everton need to improve their league form, having won just one of the last six they've played in the top flight. Strangely for David Moyes' side, winning at home has proved especially difficult this season, with only three Goodison Park successes (against Wigan, Wolves and Swansea).

But the cup win over Fulham sees them go into the game in good heart and their record against City is better than most in recent years. Moyes has got the better of Mancini in four of five previous meetings, including inflicting upon the Italian his first defeat as City manager two years ago.

There doesn't seem to be a great deal of love lost between the bosses, and Moyes hasn't been enamoured with City in general ever since their pursuit and signing of Joleon Lescott. It all points to a combustible clash on the pitch and possibly on the touchline too. Imaginary card-waving is definitely not advised.

Head-to-head




• Manchester City have managed just two wins at Goodison Park in 14 Premier League visits.



• This is the 170th meeting between the sides. Everton have won 64, Manchester City 63 and there have been 42 draws.



• Neither side has managed to score more than two goals in a match in their last 15 encounters since Manchester City's 5-1 win in May 2004.
  
  
  Everton
  
  
• Everton have failed to score more than once in their last 10 Premier League fixtures.



• The Toffees are the only Premier League side to use all three subs in all 22 games this season



• The 78 shots on target Everton have allowed their opponents to register against them this season is the lowest total in the league.



• Louis Saha has not scored a Premier League goal for 942 minutes.



• David Moyes is still one short of his 150th Premier League victory as Everton manager.



• Phil Neville could make his 650th club career appearance.



Man City


• City are set to start February as Premier League leaders - the last eight Premier League titles have been won by sides who topped the table at the start of February.



• David Silva's 12 assists this season is five more than any other Premier League player has managed.



• The Citizens have scored 60 league goals this season, the same amount as they managed in the whole of last season.



• None of Manchester City's next six matches are against a team in the current top half.



• Victory would be Roberto Mancini's 50th in the Premier League.