Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will be without six players for the trip to Everton on Saturday.
The Citizens are pushing for a top-five place to secure another season in the Champions League and beat Crystal Palace 5-2 on their last outing (12 April).
However, they were dealt another blow in that victory as key man Ederson was forced off with an injury and will miss the contest at Goodison Park in a huge boost for David Moyes‘ side, as confirmed by Guardiola.
The positive news for Guardiola is that Phil Foden looks set to return after missing the clash with the Eagles due to a knock suffered against Manchester United.
Man City to make three changes for Everton clash
Stefan Ortega will step in between the sticks with Ederson ruled out, he is still a very capable goalkeeper so it will not be too much of a concern for the visitors.
Guardiola is expected to stick with the same backline that started the win over Palace with Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly retaining their places as John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are not expected to be ready to return.
At the base of midfield Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez are predicted to keep things ticking over as Ballon d’Or winner Rodri remains sidelined from the ACL injury that he suffered earlier this season.
Jeremy Doku is expected to be recalled in place of James McAtee on the right flank, with Kevin De Bruyne looking to continue his fairytale farewell after two contributions against Oliver Glasner’s side.
Foden returns for Everton showdown
Foden might be thrust straight back into action on the left side of attack, replacing Ilkay Gundogan and getting the nod over Savinho and Jack Grealish.
| Stats (Premier League) | Foden |
| Matches | 25 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes played | 1689 |
Winter window signing Omar Marmoush will lead the line, the Egyptian will be the danger man for Guardiola’s side as he has notched four goals in his last five league matches.
The Blues will be buoyed by the absence of Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker has 21 league goals but will not be able to add to his tally on this occasion as he deals with an ankle injury.
The likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski will still have to be on top form defensively as Marmoush has shown how deadly he can be after replacing the 24-year-old.
