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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Everton host Manchester City on Saturday in a match which could really test the resolve of their players, but one individual in particular will likely be looking forward to the clash.

On the chalkboard

That man is Fabian Delph, who made the £10m switch from the Citizens to Goodison Park this summer and will be looking to get one over his former team. Man City, though, are hot off the back of a 8-0 demolition against Watford, a danger Everton will need to be wary of.

As a result, the 29-year-old could be key to Everton’s chances of success, particularly his handling of Kevin De Bruyne, a player whose attributes he should be better prepared for than his teammates, considering he played with him for four years in Manchester.

However, the Belgian is in excellent form and seemingly has a point to prove after missed out on parts of last season through injury, already tallying two goals and eight assists in only eight games this term.

That means he is one of several key threats in the City side, but if Delph can disrupt the flow of the game and get in the face of his opponent then he could have some luck in negating the visitors’ threat.

Since joining the Toffees he has shown that he is capable of performing that role with an average of four tackles from the five games he has played, as per WhoScored, although his success in that department could rely on how often Everton choose to press.

A failure to close down the midfielder will likely lead to goals for the visitors. De Bruyne is brilliant at finding his forward, as evidenced by his average of 4.5 key passes per game, and failing that he is not afraid to go for goal himself.

According to WhoScored he has averaged almost three shots per game so far this campaign, a complete contrast to Delph, whose defensive role will have to continue on Saturday if his side are to get anything from the game.

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Looking at the stats, De Bruyne could dominate in all departments, with even his rate of interceptions matching that of the Everton man despite occupying more of an attacking role in his team.

However, Delph has got on the ball often and used it well for his team. Against Sheffield Wednesday he was a key outlet to his team with 78 touches, and a pass accuracy of 87% this season shows he doesn’t often give the ball away.

If he can stick to De Bruyne and limit his influence, which is he capable of, then he should help to reduce the threat posed by Guardiola’s side and perhaps even earn Everton a surprise result.