Other than that, it’s as you were against Everton as City look to keep pace with the sides above and around them at Goodison Park this afternoon.
Starting XI and bench:
Starting XI: Bravo, Sagna, Stones, Otamendi, Clichy, Yaya Toure, Zabaleta, De Bruyne, Sterling, Silva, Aguero
Subs: Caballero, Kolarov, Delph, Sane, Navas, A Garcia, Iheanacho
Zaba continues in the middle
With two impressive performances in the midfield engine room against Celtic and West Ham already under his belt, Pablo Zabaleta will resume a more advanced role against the Toffees.
The Blues’ stand-in skipper is clearly enjoying the role, too, regularly popping up in the opposition box and, against the Hammers, winning a crucial penalty.
He will partner the in-form Yaya Toure in protecting the back four at Goodison Park as City look to take all three points back to Manchester this afternoon.
Lukaku threat
John Stones will know better than anyone the threat Romelu Lukaku poses this afternoon.
The powerful Belgian will likely lead the line alone, but when he’s in the mood, he’s a handful for any defence – the destiny of today’s points may well rest on how well the Blues deal with the Toffees’ talisman, particularly as he’s scored three of Everton’s last five goals against City.
The debut of new signing Morgan Schneiderlin may also give the hosts a boost – the former United midfielder will have a point to prove after being discarded by the Reds and will undoubtedly add more steel to Ronald Koeman’s side.
He starts on the bench this afternoon...
Improving record versus Everton
Once a fixture that yielded little for City, the Blues have improved in recent seasons against Everton and are unbeaten in seven Premier League meetings, winning four and drawing three.
Everton starting XI
Joel, Baines, Williams, Funes Mori, Holgate, Coleman, Barry (c), Davies, Mirallas, Barkley, Lukaku
Subs: Stekelenburg, Schneiderlin, Jagielka, Lennon, McCarthy, Valencia, Lookman
