Carlo Ancelotti has described Pep Guardiola as a "genius" ahead of Everton's meeting with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on New Year's Day.
Ancelotti has had an immediate impact at Goodison Park since being drafted in to replace Marco Silva in the hot seat on December 21.
Everton recorded a 1-0 home win over Burnley on Boxing Day, before beating Newcastle 2-1 at St James' Park two days later - moving clear of the relegation places in the process.
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City, meanwhile, have had to watch Liverpool extend their commanding lead at the top of the Premier League, with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Wolves on Friday marking the latest setback in their pursuit of a third successive crown.