Pep Guardiola has a couple of decisions to make ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Merseyside as Manchester City take on Everton at Goodison Park – and the Spanish boss could make two changes to the side that beat Tottenham on Saturday.
City come into the game with their tails up. A stunning brace from Ilkay Gundogan and a Rodri penalty on Saturday saw City cruise to an excellent 3-0 win over Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham – stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
However, Guardiola will be without Gundogan on Wednesday night. He picked up a knock and while he is back in training, Guardiola has confirmed the Germany international will be left out of the squad to face Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
A boost for Guardiola is that Kevin De Bruyne has returned and will travel, but the chances of the Belgian starting from the off is unlikely. So Gundogan needs replacing and that might see Phil Foden drop into attacking midfield.
Riyad Mahrez could come in for Gundogan – replacing Foden on the right flank, where he played against Tottenham. Also, Ruben Dias is likely to come back into the side and given his relationship with John Stones, the duo are likely to combine again.
So, that might see £120,000-a-week defender Aymeric Laporte axed from the starting XI. Two changes to take on Everton then – in come Dias and Mahrez for Gundogan and Laporte.
