Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 15/01/2017
Kick-off: 13:30 (BST)
Match
Everton welcome Manchester City to Goodison Park on Saturday and the match should prove to be a very challenging encounter for the Toffees.
Everton looked like they had finally managed to make a return back to form following an unbeaten three match run during the Christmas period but they stumbled once again in the FA Cup third round by suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Leicester City.
Now Everton turn their attention back to the Premier League and although manager Ronald Koeman will demand his players to get back to winning ways, doing so will most certainly not be easy against an in-form Manchester City side.
Everton Team News
Yannick Bolasie, Muhamed Besic and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are all ruled out for the clash because of long-term injuries while Idrissa Gueye will be missing due to his participation in the African Cup of Nations.
As a boost though, goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has returned to full fitness alongside James McCarthy.
Stekelenburg looks set to make his return to goal ahead of Joel Robles for the clash on Sunday and the defence should consist of Leighton Baines, Ramiro Funes Mori, Ashley Williams and Seamus Coleman, with Phil Jagielka missing out once again.
In midfield, new signing Morgan Schneiderlin is likely to be handed his first start and accompanying him at the middle of the part will be the duo of Gareth Barry and Ross Barkley, with McCarthy also a viable option.
Kevin Mirallas and Enner Valencia have been impressive in the wide positions for Everton and the duo should provide support for lone striker Romelu Lukaku on the day.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Stekelenburg; Baines, Funes Mori, Williams, Coleman; Barkley, Barry, Schneiderlin; Mirallas, Lukaku, Valencia
Manchester City (Probable XI): Bravo; Kolarov, Stones, Otamendi, Sagna; Zabaleta, Toure, Sterling, Silva, De Bruyne; Aguero
Last Meeting
15/10/2016 Manchester City 1 – 1 Everton
27/01/2016 Manchester City 3 – 1 Everton
13/01/2016 Manchester City 0 – 0 Everton
Prediction
Everton have a terrible record against Manchester City in the Premier League over the past few seasons and one can be sure that the clash on Sunday will prove to be a very difficult encounter for the Toffees.
Everton did hold City to a 1-1 draw earlier in the campaign and while the match this weekend is expected to be a closely fought encounter once again, expect the away side to nick all three points.
Everton 1 – 2 Manchester City
