Sean Dyche urges Everton belief against dominant Man City despite daunting stats

Pep Guardiola's side have won 11 and drawn one of their last 12 matches and have scored in 57 successive home games.

If that were not enough of a formidable task, Everton's record since their last win there in 2010 has seen them lose seven and draw five, scoring just seven times.

They have drawn their last three Premier League matches, while their only victory since December 16 was the FA Cup replay success over Crystal Palace but Dyche is trying to remain positive.

"I think you have a group believe you can challenge these teams," said the Toffees boss, who will rely on assistants Ian Woan and Steve Stone in the dugout as he serves a one-match suspension for a third yellow card this season.

"You take all these games on. That's the mentality we want to continue to build here.

"No matter who you're playing against, take it on with that clear mindedness to go to focus on you.

"You've got to play well, as a start point and usually you have to defend well.

"They are in good form and it is difficult, they are a very good side - we all know that.

"There is a lot of good to like about them, but you have got to play them all, so we certainly go there and take it on.

"You have to focus on the opposition, quite obviously, but you have to focus on you and your performance.

"So far this season we've done well on that. It's important to remember that - even when you're going to places like Man City."

Dyche could be boosted by the return of Amadou Onana, who has missed the last two matches with a knee injury, but has returned to training with the full squad and could come back into contention.

However, fellow midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has still not rejoined team training, with a hamstring injury having restricted him to just one appearance in the last 10 matches.

"Amadou has been back out on the grass and we will pick the team accordingly," added Dyche.

"But better signs and progress from the injured plays. Doucs (Doucoure) is on the grass, not with us but he is making a good progress."

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