Everton’s Jesper Lindstrom – on loan from Napoli – may have played his last game for the Toffees having recently underwent a hernia operation, and he is joined on the sidelines by Orel Mangala (knee) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (hamstring).
Dwight McNeil has made two brief substitute appearances since recovering from a long-term knee injury, but whether he is ready to start ahead of Jack Harrison on the right flank this weekend remains to be seen.
Carlos Alcaraz may once again be utilised as an impact substitute as Iliman Ndiaye and Doucoure continue in advanced roles, while Beto could be recalled to the first XI to start up front at the expense of Armando Broja.
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Harrison, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto
Manchester City
As for Man City, Ederson aggravated a groin issue against Palace and will join Rodri (ACL), Nathan Ake (foot), John Stones (thigh) and Erling Haaland (ankle) in the treatment room, while Phil Foden (foot) and Manuel Akanji (abductor) have both returned to training this week and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
While Stefan Ortega is expected to replace Ederson in goal, Guardiola could be tempted to make one or two changes in defence following a shaky first half-hour against Palace. Matheus Nunes will be pushing to replace Rico Lewis at right-back and Abdukodir Khusanov could be recalled at centre-back if Josko Gvardiol replaces Nico O’Reilly at left-back.
Bernardo Silva, who scored in the reverse fixture against Everton, could return in midfield, while De Bruyne and Omar Marmoush could be joined in the final third by either Savinho or Jeremy Doku if James McAtee makes way.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Gundogan, Bernardo; Savinho, Marmoush, De Bruyne
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Manchester City
