Everton XI vs Manchester City – Predicted lineup and team news

The Football Faithful

·26 December 2024

Everton XI vs Manchester City – Predicted lineup and team news

Everton head to Manchester City on Boxing Day looking to continue the solidity of recent performances.

Fresh from frustrating Arsenal and Chelsea in consecutive games, Everton have now recorded five clean sheets in their last six league games. Jordan Pickford leads the Premier League’s Golden Glove standings after another shutout last weekend. It’s one defeat in the last six for Sean Dyche, though four goalless draws show there is work to be done in the final third.

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Everton are the second-lowest scorers in the Premier League, having netted just 14 times from their 16 games. The game plan will again to be one of defence-first, as the Blues look to become the latest team to upset the champions.

Manchester City are looking to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, following an unforeseen downturn in results. Pep Guardiola’s side have just one win in their last 12 games.

Everton XI vs Manchester City – Predicted lineup and team news

Everton team news

Armando Broja is eligible to return for Everton after missing the draw with Chelsea. The on-loan forward could not feature against his parent club but adds to Dyche’s attacking options.

However, Ashley Young is suspended after picking up five yellow cards. However, Dyche comfirned the veteran would miss he game regardless with a neck injury. Dwight McNeil is also likely to miss out for the third successive game, while neither James Garner (back) or Tim Iroegbunam (foot) are ready to return.

Dyche said at his pre-match press conference: “Youngy is out anyway. Some were saying he ripped his neck, I didn’t mean that. He ricked his neck, I was trying to express. Anyway, he should be fine but can’t play anywa, he is suspended. Dwight is still touch and go. We are hopeful it will settle down – probably not for this one but sooner rather than later. Tim and Jimmy are still a bit away. They are hopefully getting closer.”