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While several of their Premier League rivals are in European action this week, Manchester City have Premier League commitments to attend on Wednesday.
Fresh from a dominant victory over Tottenham, Pep Guardiola’s team travel to Goodison Park to face Everton, who are looking to rebound from a terrible defeat at the hands of Fulham.
With a trip to Arsenal to tackle this weekend, followed by a Champions League tie against Borussia Monchengladbach, Guardiola will need to employ some level of turnover in the days ahead. However, how much freshening up against a solid Everton team?
Take a look at our planned City XI below.
Ederson (GK) – There is not much to say about this one. He is City’s number one goalkeeper, which is why he is usually a starter in most games.
Joao Cancelo (RB) – Cancelo has stuck his nose in front of Kyle Walker in the right-back pecking order this season with some world-class performances. Walker could play Arsenal to give him a break before Gladbach’s game, but the Portugal international should start this one.
Ruben Dias (CB) – Half of the Premier League’s best center-back pair, Ruben Dias has recovered from a fever and will return to the heart of City’s defense against the Toffees.
John Stones (CB) – The Stones’ redemption this season has been a joy to behold. Since he was drafted to the team in November, he has almost always been around for City and that will continue on Wednesday.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – The left-back position is difficult to mark. Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy could get the nod, but we think the most likely pick is Zinchenko. From being considered over-qualifying at the club, he has rebounded strongly this season, making 16 appearances in all competitions so far.
Rodri (DM) – Rodri has only missed a handful of games since signing for City in 2019. His ball recovery and metronomic passes from the base of midfield are vital to Guardiola’s game.
Phil Foden (CM) – With Ilkay Gundogan injured and Kevin De Bruyne just returning to full training, Foden will likely be asked to move into midfield. It may not be your best role, but needs must.
Bernardo Silva (CM) – With City out of midfield options, we expect Bernardo Silva to keep his place. He’s been quietly effective lately, despite scoring only once in the Premier League all season.
Riyad Mahrez (RW) – By his own high standards, it has been a quiet season for Mahrez. He has only managed five Premier League goals in 17 appearances, but should start as Foden moved to midfield.
Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Questions remain as to whether Gabriel Jesus is good enough to be Sergio Agüero’s permanent successor. Despite this, he will likely start against Everton, after being substituted in the second half of City’s win over Spurs.
Raheem Sterling (LW) – Sterling has been scoring for fun lately and received the captain’s armband for Tottenham’s win. He will hope to continue his good form on Wednesday.