Manchester City face Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday in a crucial clash at both ends of the Premier League table.
Pep Guardiola’s side are a point clear at the summit and, with Arsenal playing immediately after the encounter on Merseyside, City could temporarily stretch that gap to four points. A few weeks ago the game might have been viewed as a relatively straightforward three points, but Everton’s 5-1 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion shocked the entire division, especially given the Toffees hadn’t won any of the last seven
It’s a result that moved Sean Dyche’s men out of the relegation zone and they now have a two-point gap to 18th-placed Leicester City. With just three games remaining this campaign, time is running out for Everton to preserve their Premier League status for another year and a raucous atmosphere is expected at Goodison this weekend.
There’s also every chance Guardiola will rest players given Sunday’s match falls in between the Champions League semi-final double header against Real Madrid. Last week against Leeds United, Rico Lewis, Aymeric Laporte, Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden were handed rare Premier League starts, with Ruben Dias, John Stones and Jack Grealish given the entire afternoon off.
On the other hand, Guardiola has an excellent record against Everton, even if the sides did draw early this year at the Etihad. Prior to that, the ex-Barcelona boss had won 10 in a row when facing the Toffees.
Guardiola will also be boosted by an almost full squad to select from for Sunday’s game. Here’s the latest injury news from both camps…
1. Seamus Coleman- Out
Won’t play again this season due to a long-term knee issue.
2. Ben Godfrey- Doubt
Has missed the last two matches with a groin issue.
3. Ruben Vinagre- Out
Dyche recently said the defender will be out for a ‘long time’.
4. Andros Townsend- Out
Hasn’t played this season due to an ACL injury, but featured for the Under-21s last week as he continues his recovery.