Manchester City will be eager to turn around their poor run of form as they face Everton in the early Boxing Day kick-off at the Etihad Stadium. The reigning champions have only one win in their last eight league matches, leaving Pep Guardiola searching for solutions.
Everton, on the other hand, have displayed resilience recently, taking points from Arsenal and Chelsea. However, their poor historical record against City could weigh heavily in this encounter.
The match kicks off at 12:30 pm BST, with City missing key players but hopeful of utilising their home advantage. Everton will arrive with confidence but will need to be at their very best to challenge Guardiola’s side.
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City have confirmed that Ruben Dias is out for three to four weeks with a muscular injury, while Ederson remains doubtful after missing the defeat against Aston Villa. However, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Mateo Kovacic are back in contention, having started in their previous match.
Guardiola is likely to continue tweaking his line-up to regain control in midfield and add sharpness in attack. With key absentees in defence, fringe players may need to step up.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup to Face Everton
Ortega (GK), Walker, Akanji, Gvardiol, Lewis, Gundogan, Kovacic, Grealish, Silva, Foden, Haaland.
Here is how the side last lined up:
Everton Team News
Everton's Dwight McNeil remains doubtful with a knee injury, having missed recent fixtures. James Garner (back) and Tim Iroegbunam (foot) are confirmed absentees.
Sean Dyche will likely stick with a robust line-up to frustrate City’s attacking flow while hoping to capitalise on set-pieces and counter-attacks.
Everton Predicted Lineup to Face Manchester City
Pickford (GK), Coleman, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Gueye, Doucoure, Mangala, Calvert-Lewin, Harrison, Ndiaye.
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