Because the Premier League returns from the Christmas break, champions Manchester Metropolis will host Everton on the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
Metropolis discover themselves in unfamiliar territory, sitting exterior the highest six and a large 12 factors behind leaders Liverpool, having received simply certainly one of their final 12 matches in all competitions.
Supervisor Pep Guardiola will likely be determined for his facet to get again on monitor in opposition to an Everton staff that has improved in latest weeks.
The Toffees have collected seven factors from their final 4 video games, conserving 4 clear sheets in that run. Nonetheless, they face a frightening activity in opposition to a Metropolis facet that has not misplaced at dwelling to Everton in 13 matches.
Crew Information
Manchester Metropolis could possibly be with out defender John Stones, who picked up a foot damage within the defeat to Aston Villa final outing.
Goalkeeper Ederson can be a doubt. Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb and Rodri stay sidelined for the hosts.
Everton welcome again Armando Broja after he was ineligible to face guardian membership Chelsea final weekend. Nonetheless, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is anticipated to proceed main the road regardless of his latest aim drought. Midfielder Dwight McNeil is a doubt after lacking the Chelsea recreation.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester Metropolis: (4-2-3-1)
Ortega;
Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol;
De Bruyne, Kovacic;
Savinho, Foden, Doku;
Haaland
Everton: (4-5-1)
Pickford;
Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko;
Harrison, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, Ndiaye;
Calvert-Lewin
Regardless of their latest struggles, Manchester Metropolis ought to have sufficient high quality to beat an Everton facet that has relied closely on their defensive resilience this season. A house win for the champions is the expected consequence.
