Man City lineup vs. Everton: Predicted XI for Premier League clash

Manchester City could be without up to seven players for Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park.

While Rodri is still building up his fitness in individual training after almost seven months out with an ACL injury, Nathan Ake (foot), John Stones (thigh) and Erling Haaland (ankle) are also in the treatment room.

Goalkeeper Ederson is also ruled out after aggravating a groin problem in last weekend's 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace, so Stefan Ortega is expected to deputise between the sticks.

Meanwhile, Man City have been boosted by the return to training of both Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji, who could be in contention to return to the matchday squad this weekend. While Foden missed the win over Palace with a minor foot injury picked up in the Manchester derby, Akanji has been sidelined since undergoing abductor surgery in mid-February.

Pep Guardiola could be tempted to make one or two changes in defence following a shaky first half-hour against Palace. Matheus Nunes will be pushing to return at right-back at the expense of Rico Lewis and Abdukodir Khusanov could be recalled at centre-back if Josko Gvardiol replaces Nico O'Reilly at left-back.

Ilkay Gundogan could be handed his sixth successive start in midfield and may once again be partnered by Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic. However, one of those could be replaced if Bernardo Silva is recalled to the first XI.

Kevin De Bruyne operated as a false nine at times in the win over Palace and could take up a similar role on Saturday, alternating with Omar Marmoush on the left, while James McAtee may be at risk of being replaced by Savinho on the right side of attack, despite scoring on his first Premier League start last weekend.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Gonzalez, Gundogan, Bernardo; Savinho, Marmoush, De Bruyne

> Click here to see how Everton could line up for this contest