Man City vs Everton predicted line-up as Pep Guardiola’s men will hope to extend their solid run of form when they host Everton at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Sky Blues went into the October international break on a high after a narrow but dominant 1-0 win over Brentford, a result that came courtesy of an early strike from Erling Haaland at the Gtech Community Stadium.
That performance marked another step in City’s bid to find rhythm and consistency after a mixed start to the season.
City’s opponents, David Moyes’ Everton, will arrive at the Etihad determined to frustrate the champions and put a halt to their momentum.
The Toffees will, however, be without one of their most influential players in Jack Grealish, as Premier League rules prevent him from facing his parent club. The absence of the August Player of the Month could prove significant, with Everton’s attacking options likely to be reshuffled.
The last time these two sides met, City ran out 2-0 winners at Goodison Park, in what was their final visit to the historic Merseyside venue before its planned closure.
On that occasion, Mateo Kovacic and Nico O’Reilly were on the scoresheet, guiding Guardiola’s men to a composed away victory. Now, back on home turf, City will look to replicate that same control and efficiency.
Man City’s Injury Boost and Defensive Stability
One of the biggest positives for Guardiola heading into this fixture is the significant improvement in City’s fitness situation. Key players including Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Rayan Aït-Nouri are all expected to be available following their respective spells out injured.
In addition, Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovačić have both returned to full training, giving Guardiola further options across midfield and attack.
Despite the good news, one potential concern remains over Rodri, whose availability is still unconfirmed after the hamstring problem he sustained during the win over Brentford. Guardiola is unlikely to risk the midfielder unnecessarily, especially with a busy schedule ahead.
Fortunately, the manager has reason to be confident in his alternatives — most notably Nico González, who filled in for Rodri at Brentford and impressed. The former FC Porto man looked increasingly comfortable in the deep-lying role, completing the most tackles in that match. His performances suggest he could keep his place as Rodri continues recovery.
In this Man City vs Everton predicted line-up, City are expected to maintain the same defensive setup that has served them well in recent weeks. Gianluigi Donnarumma remains a certainty between the posts, with his composure and shot-stopping ability providing reassurance.
The backline of Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and Nico O’Reilly has started the last four Premier League matches, forming a solid unit that has given Guardiola little reason to make changes.
The right-back position, however, may pose a selection dilemma. Abdukodir Khusanov could make his return to the starting XI if fully fit, though Matheus Nunes, who has deputised well, might retain his place if the Uzbekistan international is not yet ready for a full 90 minutes.
ALSO READ: Gianluigi Donnarumma’s five-word claim spells bad news for James Trafford
Meanwhile, Rayan Aït-Nouri is edging closer to a comeback but could find it challenging to dislodge O’Reilly, whose form in the left-back role has been outstanding.
Guardiola’s preference for tactical balance and control means his back four is unlikely to see major rotation, especially given Everton’s physical style of play. The Toffees’ reliance on aerial duels and set pieces could make City’s defensive structure all the more crucial on Saturday afternoon.
Foden, Reijnders, and Haaland Lead the Attack
In midfield, Tijjani Reijnders has continued to impress following his summer move. His energy, composure, and eye for forward passes have provided a much-needed spark in City’s engine room.
The Dutchman carried his fine form into the international break, further strengthening his claim to a starting spot. Alongside him, Phil Foden is expected to return to the lineup after being rested during England’s recent matches.
Although he wasn’t at his creative best in the Brentford win, his influence remains pivotal in City’s attacking build-up — especially when deployed centrally, where his vision and movement can dictate the game’s tempo.
The attacking trio is where Guardiola’s options are most dynamic. Savinho is likely to retain his place on the right despite a relatively slow start to the season. The 21-year-old Brazilian, who endured a busy summer both on and off the pitch, has yet to hit top form, but Guardiola remains confident that his breakthrough is imminent.
On the opposite flank, Jeremy Doku continues to be one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season. His explosive pace and fearless dribbling have consistently troubled full-backs, and he was again impressive during Belgium’s 2-0 win over Wales during the break. Everton’s defenders will need to be at their absolute best to contain him.
At the heart of the attack, Erling Haaland will once again lead the line for Manchester City. The Norwegian striker has been in breathtaking form, scoring in 11 consecutive matches and showing no signs of slowing down.
After Norway’s 5-0 demolition of Israel, Haaland was granted early permission to return to Manchester for a short rest in Spain — a break Guardiola hopes will keep him sharp for the weekend. With 12 goals in his last 11 appearances across all competitions, he remains City’s biggest threat.
READ NEXT: Man City eye move for ‘Brazilian Erling Haaland’ as Pep Guardiola plans for the future
If City’s predicted lineup materialises, Guardiola could once again deploy his favoured 4-3-3 formation, with Donnarumma in goal, a stable defensive quartet, and a creative midfield anchored by Nico González and Reijnders. Foden will likely play slightly ahead, feeding balls into Haaland while linking with Doku and Savinho on either wing.
With the Man City vs Everton predicted line-up, th visitors may not be able to stop City’s fluid attack, particularly without the energy and flair of Jack Grealish.
Moyes’ side will aim to keep their shape tight and strike on the counter, but given City’s current momentum and the expected return of key players, the home side will enter the clash as clear favourites.
Predicted Starting XI: Donnarumma; Nunez, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Nico, Reijnders, Foden; Savinho, Haaland, Doku.
Substitutes: Trafford, Lewis, Stones, Ake, Aït-Nouri, Kovacic, Bernardo, Cherki, Bobb.
