Manchester City v Everton

Wednesday's Carling Cup victory over West Brom stretched our unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions, and so it is fair to say that we have enjoyed a rather better start to the campaign than in recent years.

Which is probably just as well, given that our next few fixtures include champions Manchester United and Chelsea. Oh, and a Merseyside derby thrown in for good measure. Ta very much, Mr. fixture computer.

We start this torrid run of games with a Saturday lunchtime visit to Eastlands/City of Manchester Stadium/the Etihad Stadium. I'll go with Middle Eastlands. Its inhabitants, Manchester City, were once a club akin to Everton - an honest team living in the shadow of their more illustrious neighbours. How times have changed.

One day, out of the blue, a Sheikh happened to stop on his world travels, took pity on the Manchester blues and lured with banknotes mercenaries from every corner of the globe. Like a lottery winner, they splashed their new-found riches on some of the game's biggest names. And no, Shaun Wright-Phillips is not what I mean by a 'big name'.

A few years on and they've assembled a squad full of talent that could well challenge their red neighbours for the domestic title. They're competing at the highest level of European competition. And, in their latest exhibit of unnecessary exuberance, they have this week revealed plans to build a new 7,000 seater stadium.

For their academy.

But whilst the likes of Silva and Aguero are an absolute joy to watch - it could be said that City's extravagant spending has put them out of touch with the values of honesty, hard-work and dignity upon which their club was based.

Indeed, they have turned into a brilliant side. But it is a side that just doesn't contain the spirit of a frugal yet proud club such as ourselves. They may well win a trophy this season, but their fans - complete with tea-towel wrapped around their heads - will expect it. Like at United and Chelsea, the arrogance around the club at the moment is tangible.

With an array of talent that allows City to leave £30m players on the bench, 'plucky little Everton' shouldn't stand much of a chance. But that is what was said last year. And the three years before that.

Like in last year's 1-2 victory there, I expect us to try to nick a goal when we get an opportunity and sit back on any sort of result we can muster. We can frustrate our opponents, get men behind the ball and thwart the mercenaries until they get bored and start wondering about what type of caviar they'll enjoy for their post-match meal.

Oh, and Tim Cahill, if you get the chance, one of them header things would be nice.

StickyToffee Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Everton