The Toffees return to action four days on from their somewhat unfortunate 2-1 loss at Tottenham in North London with a showdown against the reigning champions at Goodison Park.
However, Sean Dyche could be without first-team regular Idrissa Gueye due to what the report [26 December] states is an “unknown” issue, while full-backs Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young are also doubtful due to sustaining knocks.
Dele Alli and Abdoulaye Doucoure will definitely play no part, while Rodri, Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland are either doubtful or ruled out for Man City.
The possible absence of Gueye may well force Dyche’s hand against Man City, with a back five once again an option should he wish.
However, Everton have more regularly used a back four this season, including in the defeat to Tottenham last week.
Gueye possibly being out, as well as Coleman and Young, is something Dyche is able to deal with thanks to a fairly strong squad all things considered.
Andre Gomes performed very well on his return to action against Tottenham and is in line to replace Gueye, with James Garner and Amadou Onana alongside him.
Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson were always like to start at full-back, accompanied in the back four by Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski.
In an ideal world, Gueye will recover from the injury sustained against Tottenham in time to play some part against City.
Injuries and suspensions are very common at this time of the year, though, and it is down to those who are given the nod to step up when called upon.
