Manchester City are looking for just their second win since early November when they host Everton in the Premier League on Christmas Day.
The Cityzens suffered more misery on Saturday lunchtime as they were well beaten by a certain Aston Villa teamcondemning Pep Guardiola to a ninth defeat in the last 12 games in all competitions. It’s an unprecedented run of woeful results for the best coach in the world.
Guardiola offered a sad answer to questions about how Man City planned to turn the corner after the weekend defeat, suggesting his side simply had to wait for injured players to return to full fitness. The reigning champions are currently without Ruben Dias and Rodri, while Ederson and John Stones are among the doubts for the clash with Everton.
Here’s how Guardiola could line up his side on Thursday.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson’s absence through injury at the weekend saw Ortega back between the posts. The German didn’t do too badly in the defeat at Villa Park, even making some impressive saves to deny the home side.
CB: Kyle Walker – The Stones’ latest injury setback and the absence of Dias for the next few weeks it means that Guardiola will have to get creative with his defense again. He appears to favor a 3-2-4-1 formation when his side are in possession, with Walker potentially acting as a defensive sweeper on Thursday.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The Swiss defender didn’t get much support against Villa and therefore looked isolated. He doesn’t offer the same solidity as Dias, but he still brings much-needed quality to the heart of the defence.
CB: Nathan Ake Ake returned to the bench at the weekend after a recent injury and Josko Gvardiol’s woeful form may see the Dutchman return to the starting XI against everton.
DM: Rico Lewis – The hybrid role in which Lewis operates has not always been successful in recent weeks, but Guardiola has continued to show faith in the 20-year-old. He should operate in the defensive midfield when Man City have the ball, falling to the side when they lose it.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – Nobody can replace Rodri in this Man City team, but Kovacic provides the ultimate defensive security in the engine room. The Croatian’s return to the starting line-up did not change his side’s fortunes against Villa, however.
RM: Savinho – The Brazilian has been relegated to the bench for the last three games, but his explosive pace and willingness to run straight at defenders could be crucial in breaking down Everton’s stubborn low block.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne De Bruyne was surprisingly an unused substitute on Saturday despite Man City desperately needing his wit. Guardiola cannot afford to rest the Belgian on Christmas Day as his side slip further into the abyss.
CM: Phil Foden – Foden scored first Premier League goal of the campaign with a late consolation at Villa Park, but the division’s 2023/24 player of the season remains miles from his magical best.
Champions League: Jeremy Doku – Like Savinho on the other side, Doku’s speed and tenacity could be key to unlocking Everton’s defence. The Toffees have kept clean sheets at Arsenal and at home to Chelsea in their last two games.
ST: Erling Haaland – The towering Norwegian has scored just once in his last six games, a terrible run by his lofty standards. He had just 18 touches and one shot against Villa as Man City struggled to feed him.
