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Man City vs. Everton lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news, injuries: Pep Guardiola's defence looking light again

From Sporting News

Man City vs. Everton lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news, injuries: Pep Guardiola's defence looking light again

Manchester City kick off the Boxing Day action in the Premier League this year as they host Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

The champions were beaten 2-1 at Aston Villa last time out to leave them on a run of nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions, with only one victory to their name since October 26.

Injury problems have caused a real issue for Pep Guardiola as he attempts to navigate the trickiest period of his managerial career, and City would well be looking light on defensive options on Thursday.

Everton, meanwhile, are largely operating with a clean bill of health and managed to hold Chelsea to a goalless draw on December 22. Having lost all but one of their past 14 games with City, could the Toffees get another positive result?

Man City predicted lineup (3-2-4-1, right to left): Ortega (GK) -- Walker, Akanji, Gvardiol -- Lewis, Kovacic -- Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Grealish -- Haaland

Sean Dyche said last week that Timothy Iroegbunam and James Garner were "behind the curve" in their recoveries, and neither is likely to return until mid-January.

Dwight McNeil could be back after sitting out the Chelsea draw with a knee issue, although Dyche will be wary of rushing him back too early. Armando Broja will be available after being ineligible to face his parent club last time out.

Everton predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Pickford (GK) -- Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko -- Mangala, Gueye, Doucoure -- Harrison, Calvert-Lewin, Ndiaye

Injured: Iroegbunam (ankle), Garner (back), McNeil (knee, doubt)

Suspended: None

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