Man City must remember Everton pain to kick-start Pep Guardiola's second era

Manchester City could be eight points adrift of top spot come kick-off on Wednesday, as the magnitude of their task in the Premier League will become apparent on their return to domestic action.

"Goodison Park is not the best place to come back," said Pep Guardiola after the Club World Cup final, admitting that he hopes the success in Saudi Arabia gives his side a boost after just one win in six in the Premier League. Everton await what is likely to be City's penultimate visit to Everton's historical home.

City have won their last seven visits to the Blue side of Stanley Park since one of Guardiola's worst days as manager - a 4-0 defeat. Those seven wins don't tell the whole story, though, and Sean Dyche's resurgent Toffees will pose Guardiola a difficult post-Christmas test.

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Fluminense posed City a tactical test that they haven't had to deal with before with their anti-positional forwards and intensive press. Everton will be an examination on the complete opposite of the scale. Dyche has got his side revved up after the club's ten-point deduction, and without that they would be tenth - only eight points off City.

Last year, Ilkay Gundogan produced one of many masterclasses on the way to the title at Goodison Park, but Everton were better than their 3-0 defeat suggested, and they stole a draw from the Etihad. The year before at Goodison, Phil Foden popped up late for another vital, title-defining three points after Rodri got away with a very lucky shoulder-ball in his own penalty box.

Goodison has tended to play a key