Man City vs Everton predicted line-ups: Confirmed team news & probable XIs

Boxing Day sees Man City hoping for a change of fortune when they take on Everton. Will Pep Guardiola’s side come out on top?

Man City vs Everton – Team News

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are under pressure, with defeats in nine of their last 12 matches, and only one win in that period. They have lost their last three games, including a gutbusting 2-1 Manchester derby loss at the Etihad.

Guardiola has masterminded six Premier League titles for City. From seventh place in the table, 12 points adrift of Liverpool, it seems that streak of success is coming to an end. The Citizens have been struggling badly on the road, but they have won five of their last eight home games, scoring 18 goals in the process.

Everton have failed to score in six of their last seven games. The Toffeemen have been strong defensively, but are carrying little threat going forward. Avoiding relegation remains the primary target for Everton and a draw would be a great result at City on Boxing Day.

Man City vs Everton Predicted XIs

Man City: City defender Ruben Dias has been ruled out for three to four weeks with muscular problems, while goalkeeper Ederson is also expected to be missing.

4-2-3-1: Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Lewis; Savinho, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland.

Everton: James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are still out injured. Winger Dwight McNeil is doubtful with a knee issue.

4-3-3: Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure; Harrison, Beto, Ndiaye.

Much of Manchester City’s drop in performance this season has been due to a huge injury list, but there have been encouraging returns from the treatment table in recent weeks.

Pep Guardiola was boosted by the return of John Stones and Manuel Akanji to the starting line-up at Aston Villa on Saturday, but Stones came off at half-time, with Guardiola since admitting that the England defender had felt uncomfortable as the break approached.

It remains to be seen whether Stones has sufficiently recovered in time to take to the Etihad pitch on Boxing Day. Guardiola has hinted that youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey could be involved in the line-up should Stones miss out.

Everton winger Dwight McNeil missed his team’s draws with Arsenal and Chelsea. It seems unlikely he will start against City. Giant forward Beto should lead the line for the visitors.

Will Man City end horror run?

Manchester City fans will demand three points as Pep Guardiola’s beleaguered side bid to grind their way back into title contention. The Citizens have no margin for error from here if they are to retain their Premier League crown.

Erling Haaland has been struggling for goals and there has been a sense of panic at the Etihad Stadium during a spell of only one victory in 12 games. With the threat of points deductions hanging over City due to Financial Fair Play charges, these are the toughest times of Guardiola’s spell at the helm.

Everton’s lack of recent goals will encourage City that Boxing Day can be the start of a revival. Nottingham Forest were beaten 3-0 at the Etihad by City at the start of this month and Guardiola’s side will feel they can do a similar job on Everton.