Guardiola’s men need three points to keep pace with Chelsea. Everton look for the momentum that a win against such mighty opposition would provide!
Manchester City will be looking to make it two wins on the bounce in the English Premier League (EPL) when they host Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Citizens went into the international break off the back of a 2-0 victory at Manchester United, while Everton picked up a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur in their last EPL contest.
City are currently second in the EPL with 23 points and will be looking to keep the pressure on leaders, Chelsea. Everton sit in 11th, with 15 points.
Pep Guardiola’s team will be missing Kevin De Bruyne, who has tested positive for COVID-19, while Jack Grealish is an uncertainty, because of an injury that he picked up on England duty.
Phil Foden is also a major doubt, having also received a knock representing the Three Lions. This means that Gabriel Jesus should play through the middle, with Raheem Sterling also getting a start in an advanced position.
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Ferran Torres is also still side-lined with a foot issue, but Aymeric Laporte is available following a suspension. The Spain centre-back could replace John Stones from the start.
For Rafael Benítez’s Everton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina, André Gomes, and Abdoulaye Doucouré are still on the treatment tables.
Mason Holgate will be serving the first of a three-match suspension, following the centre-back’s sending off in the goalless draw with Tottenham, while midfielder, Tom Davies, is also out with a knee issue.
Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Richarlison are all expected to retain their places, but there could be a change in attack, with Anthony Gordon potentially standing aside for Alex Iwobi.
Manchester City will be without some important players for this encounter, and it is always difficult to know exactly what to expect from matches after an international break. However, we are predicting a 3-1 home win for the Citizens, with the home side winning both halves.
