Pep Guardiola issues “weird” Hill Dickinson Stadium verdict before Everton vs Man City

Manchester City are set to play their first-ever match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, 4 May, when they take on Everton in a huge Premier League clash.

The match is a big one for both clubs, with Man City pursuing another Premier League title and Everton looking to qualify for European football for the first time in nearly a decade.

The importance of the match will not be lost on either manager, and Pep Guardiola has spoken in his pre-match conference about the challenge facing his side at Everton's new home.

Guardiola admits to ‘weird' feelings before Hill Dickinson clash

Speaking to reporters, Guardiola confessed his love for Goodison Park before providing his thoughts on Everton's new home. The former Barcelona manager said:

“It will be weird because the old Everton stadium is so cool and so British, and I loved to go there, but I’m looking forward to going to the new stadium.”

It's not the first time that the Spaniard has praised Goodison Park, either. Back in February, he listed it as one of his favourite grounds in English football.

Pep Guardiola on his favourite away stadiums in England: "I like Fulham [Craven Cottage], I like Watford [Vicarage Road], Goodison Park. Coming from another country to these traditional stadiums, I like it! Of course, the new ones are beautiful…"

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) February 27, 2026

Guardiola's comments will resonate with the vast majority of Evertonians who are still adjusting to life away from Goodison Park, their home for more than 100 years.

The Toffees have struggled at times at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season, winning just six of their 17 matches played here.

A brutal last-minute defeat in the Merseyside Derby last time out here will not be forgotten any time soon. Still, a strong performance and a positive result against City could result in Everton's finest night here to date.

Moyes questions Monday night fixture

Guardiola's opposite number, David Moyes, chose to spend a portion of his pre-match press conference questioning the decision to continue allocating Everton the Monday night slot. The Scot said:

“I feel for the supporters, for the younger generation who are at school the next day, late nights and all that. We don’t want to discourage that generation of fans.”

The Toffees are set to play their seventh Monday night fixture this week, more than any other Premier League side.

FGG says: Mind games from Pep or genuine sentiment?

Pep Guardiola rarely says anything in a press conference without an agenda behind it, particularly at this stage of the season, and this could be an attempt to remind disgruntled Everton fans of what they are lacking at Goodison Park. After all, if the Toffees are to get anything from the match, they need their supporters on top form.