The last international break for 2021 is behind us and our attention shifts straight back to Premier League action. On Sunday afternoon, Manchester City takes on Everton at the Etihad. This game comes at a time when teams are entering the busy Christmas period. Pep Guardiola would love it if his team could pick up yet another victory at home as they try to keep up with early frontrunners Chelsea. This will be the 12th game of the season with City expected to start the day in the third position.
Team News
Manchester City:
Cole Palmer and Bernardo both picked up knocks over the break but are fit to feature. Kevin De Bruyne returned a positive COVID-19 test on international duty, despite being vaccinated. He is currently in isolation. Phil Foden is a doubt for the game after picking up a leg injury and Jack Grealish is sitting this game out with an injury.
Everton:
Yery Mina, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andre Gomes will all miss Sunday’s game. Tom Davies remains out with a knee injury. Mason Holgate is also serving a three-game suspension.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Man City have won their last seven games against Everton, scoring a total of 21 goals and conceding just five over the period. Another win would give City the chance to gain ground on the leading pack, Liverpool and Chelsea. A crucial weekend for Pep Guardiola precedes a similarly important game on Wednesday against PSG. Manchester City have played in second gear for the larger part of this season and are yet to move into a higher gear. The most important month of the Premier League season requires City to pick up as many points as possible if they’re to remain in the running for the PL crown.
Gabriel Jesus has netted eight times in as many games and would love to make it nine in nine on Sunday afternoon.
Rafa Benitez has endured a tough start to life at Goodison Park. Despite winning four games, the toffees have also lost as many games already this season. Injuries have hindered their progress under the experienced Spaniard. Star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has not featured since the third league game of the season and without him, the goals haven’t exactly been free-flowing. Benitez reported that his injured stats could make a return in about three weeks, just in time for the busy Christmas period. Looking forward to this game, a gutsy performance will be needed to overcome the champions who would strengthen their hold on second with a convincing victory this weekend.
Predicted Starting XIs:
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker Días Laporte, Cancelo, Gündogan,Rodri, Bernardo, Jesus, Mahrez, Sterling.
Everton: Pickford, Kean, Digne, Godfrey, Coleman, Allan, Delph, Gray, Gordon, Richarlison, Townsend.
