'They are NOT the perfect opponent!' - Pep Guardiola admits fear of Everton as Man City look to end slump with Boxing Day encounter

City are going through their worst phase in the Guardiola era as they have managed to win just one game out of their last 12 across all competitions. Their sudden dip in form started with a loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on October 30 and since they have gone down on the Premier League table and currently find themselves seventh, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool.

The defending champions will now look to end this slump and get back to winning ways. Their next fixture is against an Everton side who have held giants Arsenal and Chelsea to goalless draws in their last two league fixtures. Ahead of the Boxing Day clash, Guardiola admitted his fear of facing the Toffees and revealed how they can overcome the barrier.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the City boss said: "They are not the perfect opponent. It is about us to come back to our best. It will take time. We have to get results as quickly as possible. We are facing Everton and they are in a good moment, their results and performances show it."

After the Boxing Day fixture at home, the Cityzens will play their final game of 2024 on December 29 as they take on Leicester at the King Power Stadium.