Erling Haaland may not be available for Manchester City’s Premier League trip to Goodison Park on Wednesday 27 December.
The striker has missed the last four matches due to a foot injury and didn’t play any part for City in the Club World in Saudi Arabia. There has been no real injury news on the Norwegian since the Blues were crowned world champions and it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to play any part against Everton.
Should he miss out, City could select Julian Alvarez up top, but the Argentinian is more likely to play in midfield if Haaland is fit. Jeremy Doku is the only other injury doubt and he hasn’t played since the start of December due to a muscular injury. Kevin De Bruyne is back in training following a long-term hamstring injury but won’t be back to face Everton.
City will have had five days to prepare for Wednesday’s game, but having travelled to and from the Middle East, it will still have been a busy festive period for the world champions. They approach the game in fifth place, although City two games in hand on most sides in the top flight.
Liverpool’s Boxing Day win over Burnley means Pep Guardiola’s side are eight points off top spot and, having won just once in the six matches before Christmas, need to get back to winning ways on Merseyside.
With Haaland potentially set to miss the game, here’s how we’re tipping City to line up for the game…
1. GK: Ederson
Hasn't kept a clean sheet in the last seven league matches.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
Played the full 180 minutes in Saudi Arabia and no-one has played more minutes in the league this season for City.
3. CB: John Stones
So important for the team's shape and tactics and is expected to start against his former side.
4. CB: Ruben Dias
His form has dipped in recent months, but the defender is still in Guardiola's first-choice XI.