In a parallel universe, Everton are several points clear of Liverpool in their bid to clock up their fourth Premier League title in five years … and Manchester City are facing yet another relegation struggle.
Instead, when the Blues of Merseyside and Manchester square up on Saturday night in our reality, the situation is reversed, with Pep Guardiola ’s side aiming to keep the Toffees’ neighbours at arm’s length.
If City manage a win at Goodison Park, they will chalk up a remarkable NINTH successive win over Everton - not a bad record against a side that was, until fairly recently, seen as City’s bogey team.
