Manchester City is gearing up for their Premier League encounter with Everton, but manager Pep Guardiola has several key decisions to make as injury concerns weigh heavily on his squad.
The team is set to miss the services of Ruben Dias, who is sidelined with injury. Furthermore, John Stones, recently returned after a spell on the sidelines, is a major doubt for the match following his early substitution during City’s defeat to Aston Villa last weekend. Guardiola hinted at uncertainty regarding Stones’ availability, stating that if the defender couldn’t continue in the second half against Villa, it’s possible he may not feature against Everton.
With a depleted central defensive lineup, City may look to Nathan Ake to partner Manuel Akanji at the heart of defence, though Ake’s injury history this season could see him only make the bench. If Ake is not risked, Guardiola could turn to Josko Gvardiol to step in as a central defender, with Kyle Walker and Rico Lewis likely to be deployed as the full-backs.
In goal, Stefan Ortega is expected to continue between the posts, with first-choice goalkeeper Ederson still uncertain due to his absence from the Villa match. Long-term injury casualties Oscar Bobb and Rodri are confirmed out of contention for this fixture.
On a positive note, Kevin De Bruyne, who was given a rest against Villa, may return to the starting lineup in midfield, potentially replacing Ilkay Gundogan. Alongside him, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden – who netted his first Premier League goal of the season in the Villa defeat – are likely to retain their places.
Guardiola has openly stated that it is crucial for Manchester City to get more out of star striker Erling Haaland. As Haaland has struggled to score in his recent Premier League appearances, Guardiola may choose to freshen up his attacking options. Jeremy Doku and Savinho, who came on as second-half substitutes against Villa, could both be in line to start alongside Haaland in an effort to improve service to the Norwegian striker.
Manchester City Predicted XI:
Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Gvardiol, Lewis; Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Injuries: Rodri, Bobb, Dias
Doubtful: Stones, Ederson, Nunes
Match Time: 12:30 PM GMT, Thursday, December 26, 2024
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
TV Channel: Amazon Prime
