Manchester City Starting XI vs Everton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester Utd and Everton Preview: Key City Absences for Goodison Clash

Injury blows ahead of pivotal clash

Manchester City will travel to Goodison Park this Saturday without a number of key names, including first-choice goalkeeper Ederson and prolific striker Erling Haaland. In a game that could have significant implications for both the top-five race and Champions League qualification, City’s squad will be stretched against a revitalised Everton side looking to capitalise.

Pep Guardiola confirmed during his Friday press conference that Ederson remains sidelined following the groin issue that forced him off in the second half of the recent 5-2 win over Crystal Palace. While the Brazilian’s absence leaves a notable gap between the posts, backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is poised to step in once again.

“[He’s] not ready for tomorrow,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know [when he will be available]. For the game he is not ready.”

City will be banking on their attacking depth and tactical flexibility to secure points on Merseyside as the Premier League season enters its decisive stretch.

Foden and Akanji boost selection options

There was more encouraging news from the Etihad training ground as both Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji returned to training ahead of the trip to Everton. Foden missed the Palace fixture after sustaining a knock in the Manchester derby, while Akanji has been absent since February, recovering from surgery on an abductor injury.

“Phil came back Thursday and [will be in] today’s training session since the action at Old Trafford,” Guardiola revealed.“Manu, yes, [he’s had] two or three training sessions with us. I see him moving really well.”

Their availability could prove vital as City navigate a tricky fixture schedule and attempt to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.

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Haaland, Stones and Ake remain sidelined

City’s attacking threat will be diminished with Erling Haaland still not in contention following the ankle injury he picked up in last month’s FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth. Initial assessments predicted up to seven weeks on the sidelines for the Norwegian striker, and Guardiola confirmed the recovery timeline remains unchanged.

“[He’s] not training either,” he said. “The next games he won’t be ready.”

Defensively, the club also remain without John Stones and Nathan Ake, both of whom are progressing but not yet fit for selection. Stones has been nursing a thigh issue while Ake continues his recovery from a foot problem.

Long-term absentee Rodri targets summer return

In addition to short-term injuries, City are also missing midfielder Rodri, who is undergoing rehab following an ACL injury sustained earlier in the season. The Ballon d’Or winner is now back in individual training, with the Club World Cup earmarked for a potential comeback.

City’s depth has been tested frequently this season, and Saturday’s match against Everton will demand a tactical shuffle once again as Guardiola seeks consistency during a period of disruption.

Predicted Manchester City XI:

Ortega, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Gonzalez, Gundogan, Foden, Savinho, De Bruyne, Marmoush

Injured:

Haaland, Ederson, Rodri, Stones, Ake