Sunday 20 August 2017 20:06, UK
Everton manager Ronald Koeman says Manchester City are even stronger this season, but still thinks their defensive set-up can be exploited.
Koeman's side will take on Pep Guardiola's squad at the Etihad in an enticing Monday Night Football clash between two sides who both won their opening Premier League games last weekend. The match is live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm.
Koeman and Guardiola are old friends from their playing days with Barcelona and the Everton boss did well against his former team-mate last season, masterminding a 1-1 draw at the Etihad and a memorable 4-0 victory at Goodison Park.
The Dutchman is a big fan of Guardiola's playing style but also feels it gives hope to City's opponents.
"The way he likes to play is the most difficult way," said Koeman. "It's really a pleasure to see his teams playing football.
"They play with a lot of offensive players in the teams. The Premier League is strong physically on set-plays and they try to play with a high defence.
"There is always space behind, we know that, we remember that.
"When we played City at home we punished them for that, but I still think, (with) the business they did in the summer, they are stronger than last year."
Both teams have been busy in the transfer window and Everton's latest recruit, record-signing Gylfi Sigurdsson, is set to make his debut, possibly off the bench.
And Monday's match will also be a first return to Manchester for Wayne Rooney since he left Old Trafford to rejoin his boyhood club.
"It's not the first time that he will play against City in that stadium," said Koeman.
"He knows maybe the reception (he will get) but he's such an experienced player that he will not sleep more difficult.
"Players like that platform to play football."
