Everton star Gylfi Sigurdsson may be able to pose a threat to Manchester City this weekend, if he comes up against Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.
Citizens midfielder Fernandinho is doubtful for the game after seemingly sustaining a thigh injury during the defeat to Chelsea last weekend.
The injury forced him to miss the Champions League tie with 1899 Hoffenheim on Wednesday, although it was unlikely he would have played anyway with City already through to the last 16.
There’s a real chance he could miss the game with Everton at the weekend, meaning Pep Guardiola could turn to Ilkay Gundogan to sit in front of the back four.
And if that’s the case, then Sigurdsson must fancy his chances.
Sigurdsson can exploit the German’s unfamiliarity
The Iceland international will be eager to atone for his penalty miss against Watford on Monday, and there’ll be a real chance for him to do that if Gundogan is playing holding midfield.
The German is primarily a box-to-box midfielder, and he has only played as a midfield anchor a handful of times.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund player’s natural instinct is to go forwards, meaning Sigurdsson might want to look for the gaps he leaves.
Fernandinho’s discipline for the role is absolutely brilliant, but Gundogan there would be a potential weak link for City.
If Sigurdsson has any space at all he is a real danger. He can supply the forwards with clever through balls, or unleash a fierce drive from range.