City, which progressed to the FA Cup final with a thrilling comeback win over Southampton last weekend, had moved to the top of the Premier League with a victory over Burnley before that.

However, Arsenal has replaced it at the summit once more and could be six points clear if it beats Fulham on Sunday (AEST), with City, which also have a game in hand, not playing until next Tuesday (AEST).

Guardiola is expecting a tough test at Hill Dickinson Stadium but is confident his side has what it takes to get all three points on Merseyside.

"Difficult opponents – they always have been," Guardiola said of Everton.

"It will be weird because the old Everton stadium [Goodison Park] was so cool and nice, very British. I loved going there, but I'm looking forward to the new stadium.

"They defend really well. David Moyes knows exactly what to do. The game we played at the Etihad [a 2-0 City win in October] was decided by two or three actions, but at that moment, we weren't good.

"We're better now, and hopefully we can use what we are playing for to win, win, win."

Everton's hopes of finishing in the European qualification places have taken a blow in recent weeks, with back-to-back losses leaving it 11th, but only three points behind sixth-place Brighton and Hove Albion.

This will be David Moyes's 16th meeting with Guardiola in the Premier League, with the Scot yet to record a win during his tenures at Sunderland, West Ham United and Everton.

Moyes is targeting a big result against City, though, knowing that three points could put his side well and truly back in the mix among the European chasers.

"The players aren't used to it," Moyes said about challenging for European football.

"But it's a better feeling than trying to avoid relegation. Hopefully, we keep improving and challenge the best teams.

"[City's form] is not unexpected – Manchester City are capable of things like this, but we know if we can do something special, it could help us greatly."